**Title: Cyprus Government Announces Partial Cabinet Reshuffle, Emphasizing Centre-Right Direction**
The government of Cyprus has confirmed its commitment to a centre-right political course following a partial cabinet reshuffle announced by President Nikos Christodoulides. Deputy spokesman Victor Papadopoulos stated on Wednesday that the government’s political direction remains unchanged despite the introduction of new ministers and internal transfers.
After months of speculation regarding potential changes within the cabinet, President Christodoulides opted for a more limited reshuffle than many had anticipated, making a total of four changes. The reshuffle includes the appointment of new ministers from the Democratic Party (Diko) and internal adjustments among existing cabinet members.
Evanthia Tsolaki, a member of Diko, has been appointed as the new Minister of Transport, taking over from Alexis Vafeades. In another significant change, Diko MP Christos Senekis has succeeded Maria Panayiotou as the Minister of Agriculture. Tina Pavlou, who ran in the recent parliamentary elections with backing from the Democratic Rally (Disy), has been named the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare. Clea Papaellina has transitioned from her role as Deputy Minister of Social Welfare to become the Deputy Minister of Culture, replacing Vasiliki Kassianidou.
Pavlou's appointment has drawn particular attention, especially following earlier reports suggesting she was in contention for the health ministry. All three new appointees had contested the parliamentary elections earlier this year, with Tsolaki representing Diko in Limassol, Senekis in Famagusta, and Pavlou in Nicosia.
The reshuffle results in the departure of outgoing ministers Panayiotou, Vafeades, and Kassianidou. Notably, several ministers who were speculated to leave, including Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides and Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis, will remain in their positions.
The reshuffle has also strengthened Diko's representation within the cabinet, as the party now holds key ministries including Transport and Agriculture, in addition to the Health and Energy portfolios already managed by Charalambides and Michalis Damianos, respectively. Diko president Nicholas Papadopoulos expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the party has secured "the minimum of what it should have received" in the reshuffle.
However, the appointments have sparked criticism within Disy. Party vice president Yiannis Karousos expressed discontent, arguing that party officials should refrain from accepting positions in a government while Disy remains in opposition. He emphasized the need for those accepting appointments to respect the trust placed in them by Disy voters and the principles on which they were elected. Karousos further criticized President Christodoulides for seeking to appoint individuals from an opposition party.
In addition to the cabinet changes, the reshuffle included adjustments to various commissioner roles. Panayiotis Palates has been appointed as the director of the president's office after serving as the commissioner for the citizen, a position now filled by Irene Poyiadji. Former Edek MP Elias Myrianthous has been appointed as the new environment commissioner.
This cabinet reshuffle marks a significant moment in the current administration, as it seeks to balance party representation while maintaining its political direction. The changes come at a time when the government is navigating numerous challenges, and the impact of these appointments will likely be closely monitored by both supporters and critics alike in the coming months.