AKEL criticizes government appointments in semi-governmental organizations

Following recent government reshuffles and the announcement of new boards for semi-governmental organizations in early August 2026, the opposition party AKEL has launched a series of sharp criticisms against the administration of President Nikos Christodoulides. The party claims that the new appointments confirm a near-total exclusion of the Left and characterize the government’s policy as a continuation of the Anastasiades-DISY era, which views public positions as political spoils.

Central to the controversy are allegations that several individuals were appointed to boards without submitting formal applications, suggesting that the Advisory Council, originally presented as a guarantee of meritocracy, has been rendered obsolete. AKEL has called upon the President and members of the Advisory Council to explain these procedures and has demanded their resignations should the claims be confirmed.

Additional friction has arisen regarding potential conflicts of interest, specifically involving a newly appointed member of the Cyta board. Government sources have responded by characterizing the Advisory Council as purely consultative, asserting that the final authority for appointments rests with the President. The government is reportedly reviewing the removal of the board member implicated in the conflict of interest case.