Nicosia: The Council of Ministers decided during an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday afternoon that the deceased former President of the Republic, George Vassiliou, will receive a state funeral on Saturday, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said after the meeting.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Cabinet decided to declare a public mourning until the day of the former President's funeral and declare Saturday, January 17, 2026, a public holiday. Information from the Presidency indicates that all official activities of the Republic of Cyprus scheduled during the days of public mourning are postponed. However, activities related to the EU Council Presidency will proceed as planned.
A book of condolences will be open for signing at the Presidential Palace on Friday, January 16, 2026. State officials will sign between 10:30 am and 12 noon, and members of the Diplomatic Corps will sign between 12 noon and 3:00 pm. President Nikos Christodoulides and members of the Ministerial Council will also sign the book. Condolence books will be available at all diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus.
"The President of the Republic and the entire Council of Ministers will attend the funeral, which will be held at public expense, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the Holy Church of God's Wisdom in Strovolos," Letymbiotis noted, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased former President.
The Cabinet approved the text for the condolences book, acknowledging George Vassiliou's contributions to Cyprus, particularly his role in the country's accession to the European Union and his efforts toward resolving the Cyprus problem and reunifying the homeland.
The extraordinary meeting was solely dedicated to honoring the former President and began with a minute of silence in his memory. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed regret for the loss, stating that Vassiliou's name was closely associated with the economic development, social progress, and modernization of the state. Christodoulides highlighted Vassiliou's significant contributions toward Cyprus's European ambitions and his lifelong dedication to resolving the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that reunification remains a national priority and historic duty for Cypriot democracy.