Nikos Tornaritis appointed special envoy for the Cyprus issue

On September 16, 2026, the Council of Ministers appointed former DISY parliamentary spokesperson Nikos Tornaritis as the President’s Special Political Envoy for the Cyprus issue in Asian and African countries. The position is unpaid and requires Tornaritis to conduct political outreach based on his thirteen years of experience as the head of the Cypriot delegation to the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

The appointment has sparked internal friction within the Democratic Rally (DISY). Party official Giannis Karousos criticized the move, accusing President Nikos Christodoulides of attempting to undermine DISY ahead of the 2028 presidential elections by recruiting prominent party figures. Karousos suggested that those who support the President should not participate in the party’s collective governing bodies, hinting at potential disciplinary procedures. Conversely, Tornaritis defended his decision, framing the assignment as a non-partisan national effort and denying that his alignment with the President signifies a departure from his long-standing affiliation with DISY.

Meanwhile, DIKO Secretary General Giorgos Solomou expressed concern over the lack of prior consultation regarding this appointment. The DISY leadership is expected to deliberate on the matter and determine the future role of Tornaritis within the party ranks, while Tornaritis has dismissed calls for his resignation from the party as an attempt by some to treat the organization as a closed club.