AKEL and Pindarou remain at loggerheads with the presidency for the fourth day in a row. The dispute over Marilena Raouna is heating up, with DISY citing sloppiness in the overall planning and the government insisting on the need to establish a deputy ministry for European affairs.

“Let them decide why they voted against it. What should be done is to grant a six-month extension to prepare the necessary structure, which will be staffed by permanent civil servants.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis – Government Spokesperson

“Flawed arguments. Does a government decide 3.5 years later that it wants a deputy ministry when it’s nearing the end of its term?”
Onoufrios Koulla – DISY Press Spokesperson

AKEL opposes the establishment of additional deputy ministries, citing constitutional and fiscal reasons. Ezekia Papaioannou sees the President of the Republic’s intention to appoint individuals with an eye toward the 2028 presidential election.

“This is Mr. Christodoulides’ plan—to accommodate yet another person, and so on. We will not play Mr. Christodoulides’ games.”
Christos Christofides – AKEL Member of Parliament

Criticism also directed at Paschalidis

Tensions remain high regarding the other major issue of the day: the reappointment of former Judge Andreas Paschalidis to a third consecutive term as president of the IndependentAuthority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints, the body investigating the “videogate” scandal.

The political parties, including DIKO this time, are insisting on the adage that “Caesar’s wife must not only be honest but also appear to be honest.”

“This process could have been avoided, and another shadow cast over the government and this particular individual could have been prevented.”
Chrysis Pantelidis – DIKO Member of Parliament

“This disregard for every principle of ethics and this insult to the intelligence of citizens are revealing of the style and ethos of Christodoulides’s administration. The only person who can be proud of Mr. Christodoulides’s practices is Nicos Anastasiades, who has found a worthy successor and continuator.”
AKEL

The President’s Office claims to be unaware of the details of the findings, denying that the appointment was made to secure the former judge’s favor.

“No one has said that there are no others who could handle the job. We are speaking responsibly. We have no idea where the investigations stand, nor should we.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis

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