**Nicosia, Cyprus** – Yiannis Panayiotou, the recently dismissed Minister of Labour, has revealed that his removal from office came as a complete surprise, with no prior indication or warning from the President of Cyprus. The unexpected departure, which occurred as part of a broader cabinet reconfiguration, was communicated to Panayiotou via a direct telephone call from the head of state.
In an interview granted on Thursday, Panayiotou articulated his astonishment at the decision, stating that he was entirely unprepared for his dismissal. He underscored the inherent nature of ministerial appointments, noting that the constitution does not stipulate fixed terms or advance notice for cabinet members. "We must be ready at all times to leave as we came," he remarked, reflecting on the transient nature of political office. He further elaborated that ministers are not akin to employees with statutory labour rights, but rather political appointees entrusted with national service. "The constitution does not provide for deadlines or bells for ministers. We are not employees with labour rights, we are political figures who serve the country," Panayiotou explained.
The President, acting within his constitutional prerogative, possesses the unfettered authority to appoint and dismiss ministers. This power, while not subject to formal procedural constraints beyond accountability to the electorate, means that ministers can be replaced at any juncture. Panayiotou, despite his surprise, affirmed his profound respect for the President's decision-making autonomy. He explicitly refuted any characterisation of his removal as a political "beheading," suggesting instead a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play within government.
While the precise motivations behind the reshuffle remain officially undisclosed, Panayiotou himself offered a candid assessment of potential contributing factors. He acknowledged that certain policies implemented during his tenure, particularly those involving wage adjustments, may have engendered considerable discontent among various stakeholders who were compelled to absorb increased costs. Groups such as employers and the leadership of football clubs were identified as likely sources of dissatisfaction due to the financial implications of these labour reforms. This suggests a delicate balancing act, where populist labour initiatives might inadvertently create friction with key economic actors.
The implications of this unexpected change in the Ministry of Labour remain to be fully seen. Panayiotou's departure signifies a shift in the government's approach to labour policy or personnel, the ramifications of which will likely unfold in the coming months. His candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the often opaque processes of high-level political appointments and dismissals, highlighting the precariousness of ministerial roles and the ultimate discretion vested in the President. The public, having elected the President, ultimately holds him accountable for such decisions, even when they are not immediately transparent.