The presidential office is expected to be flooded with calls regarding the selection of the new cabinet. Following tomorrow’s meeting with the Democratic Party—the second in 10 days—Nikos Christodoulides will spend a few days finalizing his picks.

What DIKO Is Asking For

The President of the Republic is preparing to grant one or two more ministries, according to information from DIKO, which is insisting on retaining control of the health and energy portfolios. It has even expressed interest in taking the Interior Ministry, having heard that Konstantinos Ioannou was having second thoughts about staying on. Ultimately, neither the Ministry of Health nor the Ministry of Finance will see a change in political leadership.

DIKO member Makis Keravnos remains in his position for the time being, despite the dissatisfaction expressed by Papadopoulos’s party regarding his handling of issues such as the GSI.
DIKO, however, is toning down its public statements regarding its demands so as not to influence the president’s decisions, according to party officials.

Who is being replaced?

Changes are expected in the ministries of Agriculture, Transportation, Tourism, and Culture. Nikos Christodoulides is not abandoning his outreach to DISY, with plans to approach members who, while well-known, are not part of the party’s leadership hierarchy.

The appointment of Synagermikos members to the presidencies of semi-governmental organizations or other key positions is considered a given, something the president has done in the past without any political cost to those who accepted the position. Examples include both Elena Kousiou and Maria Christofidi.

They might (still) get something

Representatives from EDEK, DIPA, and the Greens took the stage against the backdrop of the Cyprus issue. The government spokesperson makes it clear that a cabinet reshuffle was not on the agenda. After all, the president met with all three leaders together, not separately.

“Obviously, nothing of the sort was discussed. The President acknowledges their participation in the National Council, and this parallel briefing will take place.”

Although EDEK and DIPA are not expected to be assigned any new ministries, the president is considering appointing their members to semi-governmental bodies and committees. The deck will be reshuffled by August 15.

See the report by Evangelos Agapios: