edek leader — Edek leader Nikos Anastasiou has firmly ruled out withdrawing his party’s support for the government, despite a wave of anger following President Nikos Christodoulides’ cabinet reshuffle on Friday night. After the reshuffle, which left Edek feeling sidelined, the party released a statement expressing strong dissatisfaction.
Speaking at an event in Limassol on Saturday, Anastasiou remarked, “We expected that the president … would see Edek in a better light.” This was a clear indication of the party’s frustration over its perceived lack of respect during the reshuffle process.
Anastasiou confirmed that the reshuffle will be a key topic at an extraordinary meeting of Edek’s political bureau on Sunday. However, he emphasised that the issue of leaving Christodoulides’ government, which Edek has supported since a party conference decision, was never raised. He has already reached out to Christodoulides to voice his complaints and plans to initiate further discussions on Monday regarding a meeting with the president.
The cabinet reshuffle saw six changes, prompting Edek’s ire. The party stated, “Edek’s sincere efforts so far to contribute with proposals and positions to the success of the government’s work and its selfless behaviour seem to have not been appreciated.” This sentiment reflects the party’s concerns about its diminishing influence within the coalition.
Historically, Edek has seen its support for governments ebb and flow, having previously both supported and withdrawn from the administrations of Glafcos Clerides and Demetris Christofias. The recent uproar hints at potential instability within the current coalition, especially given the scathing remarks made by Edek following the reshuffle.
In terms of cabinet positions, Edek retained only one ministerial role, that of Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou. Prior to the reshuffle, there were fears she might lose her position due to controversial comments made during a devastating wildfire that claimed two lives in the Limassol district. Despite her comments being met with criticism, she remains in her role, while other ministers faced demotions or were relieved of their duties.
Other parties reacted differently to the reshuffle. Diko leader Nicholas Papadopoulos expressed support for the changes, stating, “We are here to support the implementation of the government’s programme.” He appeared ready to collaborate with new ministers, suggesting a more optimistic view towards the reshuffle.
Dipa, another party in the coalition, welcomed the new cabinet structure, highlighting that it marked a historic moment for them with the appointment of Marinos Mousiouttas as labour minister. The party expressed confidence in his ability to handle critical social issues, stating, “We are confident that he will work responsibly to improve labour relations, support workers, and promote policies which will strengthen social cohesion.”
However, the opposition party Akel voiced its concerns over the reshuffle, arguing that it did not enhance government efficiency and suggesting it was politically motivated ahead of the upcoming presidential election in 2028. Their statement highlighted what they termed “monumental inefficiency” in Christodoulides’ government, asserting their role as a serious opposition party committed to proposing realistic solutions to the country’s pressing problems.
