Cabinet reshuffle delayed in Cyprus after ministerial nominee declines offer

President Nikos Christodoulides has delayed his planned cabinet reshuffle, which was expected last Friday, following the refusal of Christos Angelides to accept the position of deputy tourism minister. Angelides, currently the director general of the hotelier’s association Pasyxe, was approached for the role but ultimately decided to remain in his current position. Reports also suggest that the delay is linked to the refusal of the current health minister, Neofytos Charalambides, to continue in his role.

The development has triggered significant political tension, particularly within the Disy party. Disy leadership, including vice president Yiannis Karousos, has criticized the President's efforts to recruit party members into the government, emphasizing that the party remains in opposition. Karousos explicitly warned that the party would react if the President continues to pursue Disy figures for ministerial positions, citing a breach of the party's official stance.

While the reshuffle was initially expected to be announced on Friday, the rejection from key candidates and the ensuing friction with opposition parties have forced a pause in the process. It remains unclear when the President will finalize his new cabinet appointments or how he intends to address the political backlash from Disy.