New foundations—whose resilience will be put to the test in the coming period—were laid by – the DIKO secretariat, led by Nicos Christodoulides, joining forces to establish a framework for cooperation that will allow Nikolas Papadopoulos and his party to gain even greater influence within the government. 

The discussion lasted 1.5 hours and was the second in 10 days. The secretariat left the Presidential Palace satisfied, describing it as a constructive meeting to clear the air following complaints about their insufficient involvement.   

According to reports, the agreement includes: More immediate and timely updates to DIKO on the government’s work, with the aim of facilitating consultation. Every week, members of the party leadership will meet with presidential officials—not just for a simple coffee—but to jointly draft legislation and discuss the Cabinet’s daily agenda. Members of Parliament will have monthly one-on-one meetings with ministers to receive detailed briefings regarding their respective portfolios.     

READ ALSO: What Christodoulides, Papadopoulos, and the DIKO Secretariat said during their 1-hour-and-45-minute meeting

“He will provide an update in a timely manner”

The upcoming cabinet reshuffle is also part of the communication chain. The issue was on the agenda, with Nikolas Papadopoulos reiterating the request—that the President seek his opinion in a timely manner regarding the appointment of individuals, especially when they come from DIKO.       

“The President of the Republic did not tell us whether the cabinet reshuffle is in the works; what he did tell us is that if DIKO moves forward with it, we will be informed in advance.”
_{^{George Solomou – Secretary-General of DIKO}}

However, there was no discussion of specific portfolios, despite reports leaking from the party about its intention to place a DIKO stamp on the ministries of the interior, Agriculture, a deputy ministry, and a commission.

Speculation about ministerial and quasi-governmental posts is reaching a fever pitch. After seven months, the president is also expected to fill the position of his chief of staff, with the name of Panagiotis Palate, the current Ombudsman, being mentioned.

See the report by Evangelos Agapios: