President Christodoulides announces partial cabinet reshuffle
On August 4, 2026, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides announced a cabinet reshuffle, involving four key appointments aimed at maintaining the government's centre-right political trajectory. Tina Pavlou has been appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, succeeding Clea Papaellina, who will transition to the role of Deputy Minister of Culture. Additionally, Evanthia Tsolaki has been named Minister of Transport, replacing Alexis Vafeades, while Christos Senekis succeeds Maria Panayiotou as Minister of Agriculture.
Tina Pavlou, a former parliamentary candidate backed by DISY, brings extensive experience in mental health and addiction treatment, having served as Clinical Director of Agia Skepi since 1998 and as a long-time member of the Cyprus Addictions Authority. Despite prior speculation regarding a potential health ministry appointment, she was ultimately assigned to Social Welfare. Other administrative changes include the appointments of Ilias Myrianthous as Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Eirini Poyiatzi as Citizens' Commissioner, and Panagiotis Palates as Director of the President's Office.
The formal swearing-in ceremony for the new appointees is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 09:00 at the Presidential Palace. Following the ceremony, individual handover sessions will take place throughout the day at the respective ministry offices.