Crisis at the Deputy Ministry of Culture resolved following withdrawal of financial order

The internal crisis at the Cypriot Deputy Ministry of Culture has been officially resolved as of September 23, 2026. Deputy Minister Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina confirmed that the controversy surrounding the consolidation of budget responsibilities by the Director General, Giorgos Papageorgiou, has ended. The tension, which had recently led to a one-hour work stoppage by ministry staff, was mitigated by the decision of the Director General to formally rescind the contested letter concerning the appointment of authorizing officers.

Speaking at a press conference regarding the 2026 Support Plan for Cultural Activities of Religious Groups, the Deputy Minister emphasized that the administration is now fully focused on its core objectives. She highlighted the presence of key leadership figures, including the representatives from the Department of Antiquities, the State Archives, and the Department of Contemporary Culture, to demonstrate institutional unity. While the conflict previously included allegations of bullying directed at the Director General, the Ministry maintains that the current administrative dispute is closed and that operations will proceed with a renewed focus on cultural development and team collaboration.