President Christodoulides is poised for changes in the government structure, with expectations high for imminent announcements, writes in-cyprus.
The prospect of a reshuffle, however, presents a challenging puzzle for the President, who is determined to proceed with the reshuffling with or without the cooperation of his coalition partners.
The issue gained intensity recently, prompting efforts to ease tensions following statements from the President himself.
The timing of the reshuffling announcement has set the clock ticking, with increasing pressure on the President to make prompt decisions. Delays could influence the dynamics within the government structure.
The scope of the reshuffle introduces another layer of complexity. A broad restructuring involving the replacement of five to eight ministers suggests an effort to rebuild the government. However, making such sweeping changes just ten months into the presidency indirectly questions the initial choices made.
In a recent interview with Phileleftheros, President Christodoulides asserted his determination to proceed without being dependent on decisions from coalition partners. This stance aims to avoid the criticisms faced during the formation of his initial cabinet, where party leaders’ involvement sparked backlash. Nevertheless, the involvement of the three coalition parties (DIKO, EDEK, DIPA) remains crucial, given their role in supporting the government in the Parliament.
The pressing need to resolve the matter is evident, especially considering some political leaders of the coalition parties are abroad at the moment. A meeting at the Presidential Palace, bringing all stakeholders together, is anticipated to discuss the impending reshuffle.
Meanwhile, attempts to downplay the situation are evident among the President’s associates. The government spokesperson clarified that the President’s statements about potential replacements within the Council of Ministers reflect a proactive approach, emphasising that waiting for the completion of 18 months is not a strict rule.
Deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou expressed uncertainty regarding the timing of a potential reshuffle within the month.
Should I stay or should I go?
Some ministers in the Christodoulides government seem unaffected by recent developments. Constantinos Kombos and Constantinos Ioannou remain at the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, respectively. Yiannis Panayiotou will keep his position at the Ministry of Labour, as will Athena Michaelidou at the Ministry of Education.
However, uncertainty looms for the remaining government members, as all possibilities remain on the table. The future of these ministers is contingent upon the scope of the changes President Christodoulides aims to bring. It is anticipated that Makis Keravnos and Popi Kanari are likely candidates for departure from the Ministries of Finance and Health.
George Papanastasiou, Petros Xenofontos, Michalis Georgallas, and Anna Koukkides-Procopiou may be substituted, however, it is not clear that they are a priority on the reshuffling list.
Deputy Ministers Constantinos Koumis, Philippos Hadjizacharia, and Marilena Evangelou appear to be in a challenging position.