Nicosia: Handover ceremonies took place on Monday at four Ministries and one Deputy Ministry following the Cabinet reshuffle announced last Friday by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. The swearing-in ceremony occurred earlier at the Presidential Palace, marking a significant shift in the leadership of several key governmental departments.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Marinos Mousiouttas, a former DEPA MP, has been appointed as the new Minister of Labour and Social Insurance. His primary focus will be on pension reform, the minimum wage, and the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund. Mousiouttas emphasized the importance of working with social partners, unionists, and employers to achieve these goals. Outgoing Minister Yiannis Panayiotou expressed satisfaction with his tenure, highlighting achievements in unemployment reduction and the enhancement of social security benefits processing.
Neophytos Charalambides, the DIKO Vice President, is the new Minister of Health. His priorities include ensuring the smooth operation of the General Healthcare System (GHS) and preparing for Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Outgoing Minister Michalis Damianos noted his ministry’s accomplishments, such as legislative frameworks for health reforms and proposals for a Joint Procurement Mechanism for Medicines.
Constantinos Fytiris takes on the role of Justice and Public Order Minister with a focus on citizen safety, justice system consolidation, and crime prevention. He acknowledged the reforms initiated by his predecessor, Marios Hartsiotis, and emphasized the importance of institutional stability in maintaining public trust. Hartsiotis, now the new Presidential Commissioner, advised Fytiris to approach criticism constructively.
Michalis Damianos, who previously served as Health Minister, has now been appointed as the Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry. Damianos underscored his commitment to innovation and sustainability, building on the work of his predecessor, George Papanastasiou. He faces significant decisions on key issues but is confident in the ministry’s experienced staff.
The new Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina, expressed her intent to work with integrity and transparency, focusing on social cohesion and the support of vulnerable citizens. Her predecessor, Marilena Evangelou, highlighted achievements in procedural simplifications and welfare schemes, praising the dedication of the ministry’s personnel.