Marilena Raouna concludes term as Deputy Minister for European Affairs
Marilena Raouna officially concluded her term as Deputy Minister for European Affairs on July 31, 2026. During her final duties, she submitted the comprehensive Report of Activities regarding the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union to President Nikos Christodoulides, marking the end of a two-and-a-half-year tenure.
Her departure follows a period of political friction, as the Cypriot Parliament previously rejected a government request to extend her mandate. President Christodoulides expressed public disappointment regarding the vote, specifically criticizing the Democratic Rally (DISY) party for their role in the decision, alongside his long-standing criticism of AKEL's stance on European issues. This rejection caused significant public debate between the government and the opposition.
Reflecting on her tenure in a social media post, Raouna expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve the country and emphasized the pride associated with the Cypriot Presidency. Despite the political controversy surrounding the end of her term, the formal delivery of the final report signifies the definitive closure of her administrative mission.