Tina Pavlou addresses relationship with Annita Demetriou after cabinet appointment

On August 6, 2026, newly appointed Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Tina Pavlou gave her first statements following the government swearing-in ceremony. She addressed recent reports concerning her relationship with DISY President Annita Demetriou, following public claims by Demetriou that Pavlou had failed to respond to communication attempts after the cabinet reshuffle leaks on July 31, 2026.

Pavlou rejected claims of a lack of communication, stating that they had been in contact recently, though she noted the interaction frequency might not have met Demetriou's expectations. She expressed enduring respect for the DISY President, emphasizing their long-standing mutual support, but declined to comment further on the public discourse surrounding her appointment. During the handover ceremony from outgoing Deputy Minister Clea Papaellina, Pavlou also expressed gratitude to President Nikos Christodoulides for her appointment.

Looking forward, Pavlou outlined her immediate priorities for the Ministry of Social Welfare. She plans to focus on child welfare, support for individuals with disabilities, and broader family assistance, with the stated goal of ensuring no family in Cyprus feels unsupported by the state.