**New Agriculture Minister Vows to Build on Predecessor’s Work**
Christos Senekis was sworn in as the new Agriculture Minister on Thursday, succeeding Maria Panayiotou as part of a cabinet reshuffle by President Nikos Christodoulides. During his inaugural address at the presidential palace, Senekis expressed his commitment to delivering “tangible results” and continuing the work initiated by his predecessor.
Senekis emphasized the “heavy responsibility” that comes with the appointments of the new cabinet members, acknowledging the trust placed in them by the public and the government’s institutions. He described the mandate as a “supreme honour” and reiterated the government's dedication to implementing President Christodoulides’ program “until the very end.”
In his remarks, Senekis recognized the challenges that lie ahead for the agriculture sector, indicating that he is well aware of the pressing issues that the country faces. He paid tribute to the outgoing ministers, particularly Panayiotou, highlighting the “important work and a valuable legacy” they have left behind. Senekis assured that the new ministers would work diligently to uphold government policy while prioritizing the public interest.
“Our only ambition and expectation is to have responded to the greatest possible extent to the expectations of the public and to leave behind a substantial, positive imprint,” he stated.
Senekis takes over the agriculture ministry following Panayiotou’s tenure, which lasted over two and a half years. Her time in office was marked by significant challenges, including a foot and mouth disease outbreak earlier this year, disputes regarding compensation for affected livestock farmers, and criticism over the government's response to the deadly wildfire that struck Limassol last summer.
Before his appointment, Senekis served as a member of the House of Representatives for the Democratic Party (Diko) from 2021 to 2026. His background includes a legal education, a degree in international relations, and expertise in computer science. Additionally, he has experience in the private sector and previously held the position of director of the parliamentary press office.
As Senekis steps into his new role, the agriculture ministry will be under scrutiny as it navigates ongoing challenges and seeks to enhance the sector's resilience and productivity. The public and stakeholders in agriculture will be watching closely to see how he addresses the legacy of his predecessor and the pressing issues facing the industry.