President Nikos Christodoulides has executed a significant restructuring of his government, appointing four new ministers and reassigning two other senior officials in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle announced on Friday. The changes, which mark the second major overhaul of his administration and the first in nearly two years, are set to inject new leadership into key portfolios including energy, justice, and health. The newly appointed officials will be formally sworn into their roles on Monday, 8 December 2025.
This recalibration of the executive branch arrives at the approximate midpoint of the President’s term, a move widely interpreted as an effort to reinvigorate policy agendas and address evolving political challenges. In a statement, President Christodoulides extended his appreciation to the departing ministers for their service and the “important work” they had undertaken. The reshuffle sees three figures—former Energy Minister George Papanastasiou, former Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou, and former Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Marilena Evangelou—exiting the cabinet entirely.
A prominent catalyst for at least one of the changes appears to stem from a controversial incident last summer. The relocation of Marios Hartsiotis from the pivotal Justice and Public Order Ministry to the advisory role of Commissioner to the President follows months of sustained criticism. In July 2025, while serving as Justice Minister, Hartsiotis publicly asserted there was “absolutely no loss of life” in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire in the Limassol district, a statement that provoked public outrage given the confirmation of two fatalities. His reassignment is viewed by political observers as a direct consequence of those remarks.
The incoming team brings a blend of new faces and internal shifts. Michael Damianos assumes the critical Energy, Commerce and Industry portfolio, taking over a brief central to the nation’s economic and green transition strategies. The Labour and Social Insurance Ministry will now be led by Marinos Mousiouttas, a parliamentarian from the Dipa party, signaling continued coalition dynamics. Konstantinos Fytiris steps into the sensitive Justice and Public Order role, while Neophytos Charalambides takes the helm at the Health Ministry. Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina enters the government as the new Deputy Minister for Social Welfare.
Notably, the reshuffle has delineated clear lines between those held accountable and those retained. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, who also faced scrutiny for her communication during the summer wildfire crisis, remains in her position. This selective approach suggests a nuanced political calculation by the presidency, balancing the need for renewal with stability in certain sectors.
The long-term implications of this reshuffle will be measured by the new ministers’ ability to navigate pressing dossiers, from energy security and economic competitiveness to healthcare reform and social cohesion. President Christodoulides is evidently seeking to consolidate his administration’s direction and efficacy for the remainder of his term. The success of this recalibrated cabinet will ultimately depend on its capacity to translate fresh leadership into tangible results for the Cypriot public.