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.