Christodoulides uses cabinet reshuffle to reinforce centre-right agenda ahead of 2028

Politics cabinetgovernmentNikos ChristodoulidesreshuffleTop News Christodoulides uses cabinet reshuffle to reinforce centre-right agenda ahead of 2028 Proedros Ipourgoi Teleti 1536x1024 Relevant News Erhurman rejects EU role in Cyprus talks and sets conditions for engagement 7 August 2026 Christodoulides uses cabinet reshuffle to reinforce centre-right agenda ahead of 2028 7 August 2026 The story behind the song ‘Limassol’ and four other Cyprus-linked tracks 7 August 2026 Frixos Dalitis 7 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber President Nikos Christodoulides used the swearing-in of his reshuffled cabinet to present his administration as a centre-right government founded on social liberalism, setting out the political identity he intends to carry into the run-up to the 2028 presidential election. The address also served to highlight the government’s economic record, foreign policy and reform agenda as it enters the final stretch of its five-year term, following what are expected to be its last major personnel changes with the cabinet reshuffle and appointments to the boards of semi-government organisations. Christodoulides said his government remained committed to the programme on which it was elected, describing social liberalism as the guiding principle of its policies. “We know what we promised, what we want and how to achieve it. Our guide is the Programme of Government, based on the ideology of social liberalism.” He said that approach combined equality and solidarity with the protection of individual rights while creating favourable conditions for business, investment and economic development. The president also explicitly defined his administration as a government with a “clear centre-right political identity”, while stressing that it was committed to serving all Cypriot citizens regardless of political affiliation or social background. That political positioning was also reflected in the reshuffle, with new ministers drawn from the Democratic Party (DIKO), the Democratic Rally (DISY) and the broader centre-right political spectrum. The government also retains representation from DIPA and EDEK. Christodoulides returned to the five pillars of his government programme, highlighting defence and security, a pro-European and Western-oriented foreign policy, economic resilience, state modernisation and reform, transparency and anti-corruption measures, and investment aimed at improving citizens’ daily lives. He urged ministers to familiarise themselves quickly with their portfolios, work constructively with state institutions, political parties and social partners, and maintain direct contact with citizens across Cyprus, including in remote communities. The president also pointed to what he described as the strength of the Cypriot economy, saying sound fiscal management had enabled the government to support households, employees and businesses despite international challenges. He identified tax reform, vocational education and employment support for adults with disabilities, and the planned pension reform as the government’s three flagship policy initiatives. He also referred to what he described as the effective management of migration. Beyond domestic policy, Christodoulides highlighted foreign affairs as one of his administration’s strongest areas, saying Cyprus had strengthened its diplomatic standing and was increasingly recognised as a reliable partner, a pillar of stability and a bridge between Europe and the wider region. Referring to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ recent visit to Cyprus, he said developments allowed for cautious optimism over efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. “Despite the problems, challenges and difficulties, the results achieved so far allow us to be cautiously optimistic that it is possible to complete the final mile leading to the end of the occupation and reunification.” Christodoulides also paid tribute to outgoing ministers Alexis Vafeades, Maria Panayiotou and Lina Kassianidou, praising their dedication, hard work and commitment during their time in office. Speaking on behalf of the incoming ministers, new Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis thanked the president for the appointment and described the role as a heavy responsibility towards the Republic, its institutions and its citizens. Senekis said the new ministers understood both the challenges facing Cyprus and the expectations placed upon them, adding that they were committed to delivering the government’s programme until the end of its term. Separately, newly appointed Deputy Minister Tina Pavlou responded to comments by DISY leader Annita Demetriou, who had said she had unsuccessfully tried to contact her before the appointment. Pavlou said she appreciated Demetriou’s longstanding support and that they had spoken in recent days, although “perhaps not as much as she would have liked”. She added that her respect for the DISY leader remained unchanged. 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