Klea Hatzistefanou-Papaellina assumes role of Deputy Minister of Culture

On August 6, 2026, Klea Hatzistefanou-Papaellina officially assumed the office of Deputy Minister of Culture in Cyprus, succeeding Dr. Vasiliki (Lina) Kassianidou. The transition took place following the swearing-in ceremony of new Cabinet members, as decided by President Nikos Christodoulides. Hatzistefanou-Papaellina becomes the fourth person to lead the ministry since its inception, following Giannis Toumazis, Michalis Hatzigiannis, and Kassianidou.

During the handover ceremony, the outgoing Deputy Minister, Kassianidou, highlighted the progress made during her tenure since July 2023, specifically noting the establishment of a clear institutional strategy, the digitization of cultural heritage, and efforts to boost the international footprint of Cypriot culture. She emphasized that while the ministry has matured, significant tasks remain, including the completion of legislation regarding the Status of the Artist and the necessity for a larger budget to support future initiatives.

In her inaugural remarks, Hatzistefanou-Papaellina stated that her immediate priorities include supporting creators, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting the international outreach of Cypriot arts. She characterized culture as essential to national survival and identity, pledging to maintain a collaborative approach to ensure the ministry remains open to all members of the creative community.