Angelides reportedly declines deputy tourism minister role as DISY criticises reshuffle plans

Nicosia, Cyprus. Christos Angelides has reportedly declined an offer to become deputy tourism minister, while President Nikos Christodoulides’ planned cabinet reshuffle has drawn criticism from opposition DISY over reported efforts to recruit party figures.

Angelides, director general of the hotelier association Pasyxe, was reportedly offered the tourism portfolio currently held by Costas Koumis.

DISY warning

DISY vice president Yiannis Karousos criticised reports that Tina Pavlou was being considered for the health ministry, despite the party’s decision to remain in opposition.

Karousos warned the president against appointing DISY members, saying those approached should “respect the thousands of voters” who supported them and the party’s decision to remain outside government.

“We want him to leave us alone,” he said, adding that if the president appointed DISY figures, “this time we will react”.

Karousos said the party had shown restraint towards Christodoulides but that the reshuffle could bring the two sides into direct confrontation.

Demetriou calls for focus on public concerns

DISY president Annita Demetriou said that “everyone is judged by their actions” when asked about the possible appointments of Angelides and Pavlou.

She said speculation over the reshuffle should end quickly so that the government could focus on public concerns, adding that “changing faces is not enough” without effective governance and results.

Demetriou said she had attempted to contact Pavlou but had been unable to reach her. She also said the president had not sought her opinion on the planned reshuffle.