With no grace period and many issues still pending, the four ministers/Deputy Ministers who have taken office are getting up to speed and holding meeting after meeting, setting their priorities for the 18 months remaining in their terms.
The new Minister of Agriculture intends to resolve the outstanding issues first.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Efforts are being made to immediately resolve the issue of pending compensation for animals culled due to foot-and-mouth disease.”
Christos Senekis – Minister of Agriculture
Preparedness to minimize the risks of wildfires is a top priority.
Finally, the prudent management of water resources remains a constant concern so that we can meet our needs.
He has already held lengthy meetings with the Ministry’s departments, and as he explains, there are many other significant challenges that require constant monitoring.
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Evi Tsolaki is currently in a briefing period at the Ministry of Transportation. Her priorities are expected to focus on issues affecting citizens’ daily lives, road safety, and the major problem of traffic congestion.
“The traffic problem in Limassol is more serious; therefore, greater emphasis and priority must be given to resolving it. For the first time, a unified and comprehensive plan has been developed for projects concerning Limassol.”
Evi Tsolaki – Minister of Transport
Efforts to support people with disabilities are continuing, says Deputy Minister of Welfare Tina Pavlou.
“I would add that all the necessary tools, frameworks, and family support must be provided from the moment a child with a disability is born. So I would say that this is perhaps the top priority. And then comes the elderly. We must look out for them and support them as much as we can.”
He also advocates for family support through legislation.
“There are already two bills before Parliament. We also want to support families through the child allowance, as well as through specific initiatives. Some are already underway, and there are others I’d like to add that focus on prevention. When I say prevention, I mean supporting families and addressing everything that might happen within a family—and you can do this by following the example of existing programs. The neighborhood social worker needs more support.”
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Deputy Minister of Culture Klea Hatzistefanou Papapellina visited the Paphos Gate and the Department of Antiquities, and has already held a meeting with the Department’s Director.
“I also visited the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, which will be the largest cultural project in our country, with a budget of €140 million.”
Her priorities include:
- Supporting artists and cultural organizations.
- Cultural education and diplomacy.
- The promotion of Cypriot crafts.
- The construction of the National Archives.
The new members of the Cabinet will be called upon to appear before the legislature regarding various pending bills.
Watch the report by Kleio Vourkou:
