Cypriot parliament rejects government request for urgency regarding deputy minister position

On Thursday, the Parliament of Cyprus rejected a government motion to discuss a bill via urgent procedure, which sought a six-month extension for Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna. The proposal was voted down with 34 votes against and 17 in favor. Opposing members, including those from DISY and AKEL, argued that the matter required thorough review and was not suitable for expedited processing. They also raised concerns regarding constitutional implications and the lack of timely notification from the government. Conversely, supporters emphasized the necessity of maintaining continuity in Cyprus's presence within the European Troika following the EU Presidency. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his disappointment with the vote, specifically criticizing the leadership of DISY and AKEL, while highlighting the importance of the role in managing European resources and the Multiannual Financial Framework.