Constitutional concerns regarding Cyprus deputy ministries

The presence of deputy ministers, government spokespersons, and other presidential officials at Council of Ministers meetings continues to spark constitutional debates in Cyprus. Critics argue that the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus does not formally recognize deputy ministries nor define these officials as members of the Council. Although the previous Anastasiades administration established these positions with legislative approval, relevant bills aimed at providing constitutional status have remained stalled in Parliament since 2021. Currently, deputy ministers attend cabinet sessions upon the invitation of President Christodoulides, but they do not possess voting rights. Legal experts maintain that the current constitutional framework lacks provisions for these offices. Reports suggest the Legal Service has allegedly acted to avoid bringing the legality of these positions before the Supreme Constitutional Court. Consequently, the institutional status of these roles remains a point of persistent legal and political contention.