The government reshuffle raises new questions for President Christodoulides
8 December 2025,AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
Over the past 24 hours, a series of public statements have been made by the newly appointed Minister of Justice, Mr. Fytiris, who is totally opposed to the solution of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, but also against the prospect of negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr. Fytiris is entitled to his opinions.
However, President Christodoulides must explain whether he considers it legitimate for members of his government to oppose the long-standing position of the Republic of Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot community on the Cyprus problem and to clash with the basis set out in the UN Resolutions for the solution. He must also consider what messages these choices are conveying at this particular juncture surrounding the Cyprus problem.
The new Minister, in turn, is called upon to explain whether, following his appointment, he will abandon his principles and views or whether he will participate in the government upholding positions contrary to those proclaimed by the President who appointed him.
This serious issue follows all the other issues arising from the government reshuffle. Mr. Christodoulides:
- He reneged on his own commitment to ensure gender equality in the Council of Ministers and does not seem interested in even trying to achieve it.
- He has reneged on his other commitment not to include party officials in the Cabinet and is appointing top-ranking officials from the pro-government coalition parties – always – with an eye on the 2028 Presidential elections.
- He is intensifying his rapprochement with the far-right ELAM party, which is obviously being rewarded since it has been acting as a coalition party for some time now.
- The Ministers who had clear responsibilities in the handling of the fires that burned down the mountainous area of Limassol – Mr. Hartsiotis and Ms. Panagiotou – remain in the government, confirming that the Presidency has no understanding of what the country suffered last summer.
