Cyprus parliament rejects urgent debate on extension of deputy minister for European affairs

On July 9, 2026, the Cypriot House of Representatives rejected a government motion to discuss the six-month extension of the term of Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, under an urgent procedure. The motion failed with 34 votes against and 17 in favor. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed deep disappointment, specifically criticizing the leadership of DISY and AKEL, noting he expected such opposition from AKEL but not from the traditionally pro-European DISY. DISY justified its vote by stating that the government failed to provide sufficient justification for the urgency, arguing the request was submitted at the last minute without time for proper parliamentary oversight. The government, through spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, asserted that the extension is vital for ongoing negotiations regarding the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, which affects national funding. While the party decision was unanimous according to spokesperson Onoufrios Koullas, former DISY parliamentary representative Nikos Tornaritis publicly disagreed, calling the vote incorrect and urging immediate reconsideration. The government has scheduled a new plenary session for July 14, 2026, to allow for further review, warning that the deputy ministry will cease to exist after July 31, 2026, if no agreement is reached.