MVP

Tag: Cyprus politics

  • George Penintaex Joins Parliament Following Mousiouttas’ New Role

    George Penintaex Joins Parliament Following Mousiouttas’ New Role

    george penintaex — George Penintaex is set to enter parliament as a member of Dipa, stepping in after Marinos Mousiouttas vacated his seat to take on the role of labour minister. This transition occurred on Friday, marking a significant change within the party.

    Penintaex will now join fellow Dipa members Marios Garoyian, Alekos Tryfonides, and Michalis Giakoumis in the House of Representatives. His addition comes at a time of considerable political movement.

    In a statement to the Cyprus News Agency following Mousiouttas’ appointment, Penintaex expressed his commitment to his constituents. He remarked, “I will remain faithful to the principles with which I ran for office.” His ambition, he stated, is to serve the people of the Republic of Cyprus to the best of his abilities.

    Penintaex, born in 1956, is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly as the chairman of the “Ena Oneiro, Mia Efxi” foundation, which supports children battling cancer. His professional background is rooted in journalism, having studied at Middlesex University in the UK, where he specialised in journalism and public relations.

    His career in journalism includes significant roles such as director of the Cyprus News Agency and secretary-general of the alliance of Mediterranean news agencies. With the upcoming elections in May, Penintaex, like all 55 current members of parliament, will face re-election, making this a crucial time for his political ambitions.

  • Corruption allegations — Marinos Sizopoulos Responds to Corruption Allegations: ‘I Discovered the Forgery Myself’

    Corruption allegations — Marinos Sizopoulos Responds to Corruption Allegations: ‘I Discovered the Forgery Myself’

    corruption allegations — Marinos Sizopoulos, the MP and former EDEK president, is fighting back against corruption allegations detailed in a report from the Independent Authority Against Corruption. He plans to address the claims involving himself and other shareholders of Taxan Properties, asserting his innocence and his role in uncovering the alleged wrongdoing.

    Sizopoulos informed Philenews of his upcoming trip abroad, after which he will hold a press conference to discuss the allegations in detail. “I will present all the evidence,” he stated, emphasising the importance of studying the report thoroughly before making further comments.

    Corruption allegations: Denial and Dispute Over Allegations

    In a series of statements to various media outlets, Sizopoulos has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged fraudulent activities. He claims to have been the one who discovered the signature forgery that has sparked the investigation, insisting that he reported the matter to the police.

    Legal Challenges Ahead

    When questioned about the possibility of the case progressing to court, Sizopoulos appeared unfazed, asserting, “no problem,” and reiterated that he possesses all necessary evidence. He also indicated his intention to challenge the authority’s jurisdiction regarding both the investigation and the publication of the report.

    Details of the Allegations

    The findings from the Independent Authority Against Corruption suggest that there may be serious criminal offences at play, including fraud, forgery, and conspiracy to defraud. This investigation is tied to a loan settlement deal involving a significant debt write-off of €956,900, with allegations that a signature belonging to an Iraqi investor was forged in the process.

    Sizopoulos’s statements reflect a strong commitment to clear his name and challenge the findings of the authority. As he prepares for his press conference, the political landscape in Cyprus watches closely, anticipating his next moves in this unfolding situation.

  • Cabinet changes — Cabinet Changes on the Horizon as President Christodoulides Prepares for September Reshuffle

    Cabinet changes — Cabinet Changes on the Horizon as President Christodoulides Prepares for September Reshuffle

    President Christodoulides is expected to announce cabinet changes in September, with strategic decisions set to unfold before his trip to the UN General Assembly later in the month. Sources indicate that the president has been contemplating adjustments to his government team for several months, maintaining a level of confidentiality even from senior advisors.

    As part of the reshuffle process, Christodoulides plans to gather all cabinet members at the presidential retreat in Troodos in early September. This extended review session will focus on evaluating government performance, assessing achievements, and presenting future targets. This all-day meeting aligns with established practices for a comprehensive evaluation of government operations.

    The recent forest fires in Limassol, which resulted in tragic loss of life, have significantly influenced the timeline and nature of the planned cabinet changes. Public criticism aimed at certain ministers for their response to the crisis has made the president reconsider his approach. Sources reveal that Christodoulides opted against immediate changes to avoid the perception of reacting solely to public pressure.

    In subsequent cabinet meetings, the atmosphere shifted from initial tension to a focus on implementing fire response measures, rather than addressing personnel accountability. While initial discussions linked cabinet changes to the upcoming parliamentary elections in May 2026, it appears the president is now focused on establishing a government framework that extends towards 2028.

    Government insiders expect selective rather than sweeping alterations within the cabinet. Most current ministers are likely to retain their positions, as some have demonstrated effectiveness while others have struggled to meet expectations. All cabinet members have surpassed the 18-month tenure threshold, with many serving around two and a half years since the government’s inception. Despite public discourse surrounding ministerial pensions, these financial considerations do not appear to significantly influence the reshuffle deliberations.

    As part of the upcoming changes, three commissioner roles will require new appointments in October: Law, Children’s Rights, and Personal Data Protection. These selections will occur independently of any cabinet reshuffle, with the president expected to announce these appointments in line with the current qualifications of office holders.

    This timeline will provide new ministers ample preparation time for the traditional parliamentary budget presentations, should the anticipated cabinet changes take place ahead of the UN General Assembly trip.