The Ministers form the Council of Ministers , including other members who may not be listed, which is an independent collective body with independent powers. In bold is listed a Ministry that was not an original ministry, but created after London and Zürich Agreements .[ 1]
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Minister: Petros Xenophontos
Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Minister: Giorgos Papanastasiou
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Minister: Alexis Vafiades
Ministry of Defence, Minister: Vasilis Palmas
Ministry of Education and Culture, Minister: Dr Athena Michaelidou
Ministry of Finance, Minister: Makis Keravnos
Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Minister: Constantinos Kombos
Ministry of Health, Minister: Popi Kanari
Ministry of Interior , Minister: Constantinos Ioannou
Ministry of Justice and Public Order, Minister: Anna Prokopiou
Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, Minister: Yiannis Panayiotou [ 1] [ 2]
Deputy Ministry of Shipping, Deputy Minister: Marina Hadjimanoli
Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Deputy Minister: Costas Koumis
Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Deputy Minister: Nicodemos Damianou
Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, Deputy Minister: Marilena Evangelou
Deputy Ministry of Culture, Deputy Minister: Vasiliki Kassianidou
Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Asylum, Depute Minister: Nicholas A Ioannides [ 2]
The House of Representatives (Greek : Βουλή των Αντιπροσώπων , romanized : Voulḗ tōn Antiprosṓpōn ; Turkish : Temsilciler Meclisi ) has 59 members elected for a five-year term: 56 Greek Cypriot members chosen by proportional representation and 3 observer members representing the Maronite , Latin Catholic and Armenian minorities. 24 seats are allocated to the Turkish community, but are currently vacant.[ 3]
Democratic Rally (DISY)[ edit ]
The centre-right Democratic Rally (DISY) is the largest political party in Cyprus, currently holding 17 of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives .[ 4] Founded on July 4, 1976, by veteran politician Glafcos Clerides , DISY emerged from the split of the right-wing "Eniaion " into two opposing parties: DISY and DIKO .[ 5] [ 6]
DISY is a Christian democratic [ 7] [ 8] and liberal-conservative [ 9] party , often described as the most Atlanticist , pro-NATO and pro-EU party in Cyprus.[ 10] [ 11] The party is currently led by Annita Demetriou ,[ 12] who also serves as the President of the Cypriot House of Representatives , making her the first woman to hold this office.[ 13] Two former leaders of the party have served as Presidents of Cyprus , Glafcos Clerides (1993–2003) and Nicos Anastasiades (2013–2023).[ 14] DISY is a member of the European People's Party .[ 15]
Over the years, internal disagreements, particularly regarding the Cyprus issue , have led to the formation of three splinter parties: the European Party (EvroKo) , European Democracy (EvroDi) [ 16] [ 17] [ 18] and Solidarity Movement .[ 19] [ 20] The current President of Cyprus , Nikos Christodoulides , was previously a member of DISY and served as Government Spokesman (2014–2018) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2018–2022) under Anastasiades . Christodoulides sought DISY's nomination for the 2023 presidential election , but following accusations of undermining his campaign, he resigned from his ministerial role and launched an independent candidacy.[ 21] [ 22] [ 23]
Glafkos Clerides , founder and former leader of
DISY (1976-1993) and former
President of Cyprus (1993-2003).
Nikos Anastasiades , former
MP , President of
DISY (1997-2013) and
President of Cyprus (2013-2023).
MP Averof Neofytou , former President of
DISY (2013-2023) and
DISY 's candidate for the
2023 presidential election .
MP Annita Demetriou , President of
DISY (2023-present) and President of the
House of Representatives (2021-present).
Lefteris Christoforou , former
DISY MP (1996-2014) and
MEP (2014-2022), Member of the
European Court of Auditors (2022-present).
Phedonas Phedonos , Member of
DISY , Mayor of
Paphos since 2015.
MP Harris Georgiades , former Minister of Finance (2013-2019) and Deputy Leader of
DISY .
Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL)[ edit ]
The left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) is the second largest political party in Cyprus, currently holding 15 of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives .[ 4] It was founded in 1926 with the name "Communist Party of Cyprus" fighting against fascism , imperialism and chauvinism , but also aiming at the independence of Cyprus from British rule .[ 24]
AKEL is a Marxist–Leninist , eurosceptic and communist party ,[ 25] [ 26] [ 27] classified as left-wing [ 28] [ 29] to far-left .[ 30] It is currently led by MP Stefanos Stefanou and it is a member of The Left in the European Parliament .[ 31] One party leader, Demetris Christofias , served as the President of Cyprus (2008-2013) for one term, without seeking re-election. Other presidents that were supported by AKEL were Archbishop Makarios III , Spyros Kyprianou , George Vassiliou and Tassos Papadopoulos .
Demetris Christofias , former General Secretary of
AKEL (1988-2009), President of the
House of Representatives (2001-2008) and
President of Cyprus (2008-2013).
MP Andros Kyprianou , former General Secretary of
AKEL (2009-2021).
MP Stefanos Stefanou , General Secretary of
AKEL since 2021.
Stavros Malas , former
Minister of Health (2011-2013) and
AKEL -backed independent candidate in the
2013 and
2018 presidential elections.
Eleni Mavrou , former
AKEL MP (2001–2006), Minister of Interior (2012-2013) and Mayor of
Nicosia (2007–2011).
Andreas Christou , former
AKEL MP (1991-2003),
Interior Minister (2003-2006), Minister of Health (2004-2005) and Mayor of
Limassol (2007-2016).
Democratic Party (DIKO)[ edit ]
The Democratic Party (DIKO) is the largest centrist political party in Cyprus,[ 32] currently holding 9 out of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives .[ 4] Like the Democratic Rally (DISY) , DIKO was founded in 1976 following the split of the right-wing "Eniaion ". Initially named the Democratic Alignment (DIPA), the party was led by Spyros Kyprianou .[ 5]
DIKO is variously described as centrist ,[ 33] [ 34] centre-left [ 35] or centre-right ;[ 36] [ 37] [ 38] internationally, it is a member of the Progressive Alliance , which groups together mainly centre-left parties.[ 39] DIKO claims to be the most loyal follower of the policies of Archbishop Makarios , the founding father of the Republic of Cyprus.[ 40] It is currently led by Nikolas Papadopoulos , son of Tassos Papadopoulos , former President of Cyprus and of DIKO.[ 41]
At its inception in 1976, DIKO maintained the right-wing ideology of its parent-party, Eniaion .[ 5] However, in June 2003, under the leadership of Tassos Papadopoulos , DIKO announced a shift away from its traditional centre-right stance and declared an intention to move towards social democracy .[ 42] The party has adopted a firm and hardline stance on the Cyprus problem , particularly in its strong opposition to the Annan Plan in 2004. While DIKO supports European integration and advocates a non-aligned foreign policy, it has also expressed support for Cyprus joining NATO's Partnership for Peace .[ 43]
Two former leaders of the party have served as Presidents of Cyprus , Spyros Kyprianou (1977-1988) and Tassos Papadopoulos (2003-2008). The current President of Cyprus , Nikos Christodoulides , although running as an independent , was supported by DIKO , making the party the largest in the current government .[ 44]
Internal disagreements over the Cyprus problem led to the creation of the splinter party Democratic Alignment (DIPA) , in 2018, led by the former president of DIKO, Marios Garoyian .
Spyros Kyprianou , former President of
DIKO (1976–2000), President of the
House of Representatives (1976-1977, 1996-2001) and
President of Cyprus (1977-1988).
Tassos Papadopoulos , former President of
DIKO (200-2006), President of the
House of Representatives (1976) and
President of Cyprus (2003-2008).
MP Nikolas Papadopoulos , President of
DIKO since 2013 and
DIKO 's candidate in the
2018 presidential election .
Vasilis Palmas , member of
DIKO , former Government Spokesperson (2007-2008), Deputy Minister to the President (2017-2022), and
Minister of Defence since 2024.
Candidate Party First round Second round Votes % Votes % Nikos Christodoulides Independent[ a] 127,309 32.04 204,867 51.97 Andreas Mavroyiannis Independent[ b] 117,551 29.59 189,335 48.03 Averof Neofytou Democratic Rally 103,748 26.11 Christos Christou National Popular Front 23,988 6.04 Achilleas Dimitriades Independent[ c] 8,137 2.05 Constantinos Christofides New Wave – The Other Cyprus 6,326 1.59 Georgios Colocassides Independent 5,287 1.33 Alexios Savvides Independent 2,395 0.60 Charalampos Aristotelous Independent 866 0.22 Celestina de Petro Independent 575 0.14 Andronicos Zervides Independent 341 0.09 Ioulia Khovrina Komninou United Cyprus Republican Party 330 0.08 Andreas Efstratiou Independent 299 0.08 Loukas Stavrou National Communitarian Reconstruction 165 0.04 Total 397,317 100.00 394,202 100.00 Valid votes 397,317 98.27 394,202 96.95 Invalid votes 5,333 1.32 8,428 2.07 Blank votes 1,671 0.41 3,986 0.98 Total votes 404,321 100.00 406,616 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 561,273 72.04 561,273 72.45 Source: Central Electoral Service , Central Electoral Service
Party Votes % Seats +/– Democratic Rally 99,328 27.77 17 –1 Progressive Party of Working People 79,913 22.34 15 –1 Democratic Party 40,395 11.29 9 0 National Popular Front 24,255 6.78 4 +2 Movement for Social Democracy –Citizens' Alliance 24,022 6.72 4 –2 Democratic Front 21,832 6.10 4 New Movement of Ecologists – Citizens' Cooperation 15,762 4.41 3 +1 Active Citizens – Movement of Cypriot United Hunters 11,712 3.27 0 New Generation Change 10,095 2.82 0 New Solidarity Movement 8,254 2.31 0 –3 Famagusta for Cyprus 5,596 1.56 0 New Awakening 2020 4,839 1.35 0 New People's Breath 4,585 1.28 0 0 Animal Party Cyprus 3,593 1.00 0 0 Patriotic Coalition 376 0.11 0 New Independents 3,155 0.88 0 0 Total 357,712 100.00 56 0 Valid votes 357,712 97.57 Invalid votes 6,826 1.86 Blank votes 2,070 0.56 Total votes 366,608 100.00 Registered voters/turnout 557,836 65.72 Source: Ministry of Interior
Party Votes % Seats +/– Democratic Rally 91,316 24.78 2 0 Progressive Party of Working People 79,163 21.49 1 –1 Independent – Fidias Panayiotou 71,330 19.36 1 New National Popular Front 41,215 11.19 1 +1 Democratic Party 35,815 9.72 1 0 EDEK Socialist Party 18,681 5.07 0 –1 Volt Cyprus 10,777 2.92 0 0 Democratic Alignment 7,988 2.17 0 0 Movement of Ecologists – Citizens' Cooperation 4,742 1.29 0 New Movement of Cypriot United Hunters 4,603 1.25 0 New Animal Party Cyprus 1,013 0.27 0 0 National Action Movement 979 0.27 0 New Independent – Andronikos Zervides 444 0.12 0 New Victory Movement 389 0.11 0 New Total 368,455 100.00 6 0 Source: https://live.elections.moi.gov.cy/
Political pressure groups and leaders [ edit ]
Cypriot Workers Union (Greek : Συνομοσπονδία Εργατών Κύπρου (Σ.Ε.Κ.) )
Union of Cypriots (Greek : Ένωσις Κυπρίων ; Turkish : Kıbrıslılar Birliği )
Revolutionary Trade Unions Federation (DEV-İŞ)
Pan-Cyprian Labour Federation or PEO (Greek : Παγκύπρια Εργατική Ομοσπονδία (Π.Ε.Ο.) )
Eleftheria Citizens Initiative (Greek : Πρωτοβουλία Πολιτών Ελευθερία )
Administrative divisions [ edit ]
Map of the Districts in Cyprus
The island is divided into 6 administrative divisions: Nicosia (Lefkosia), Limassol (Lemesos), Larnaca , Paphos , Famagusta (Ammochostos), and Kyrenia .[ d]
Exclaves and enclaves [ edit ]
Cyprus has four exclaves , all in territory that belongs to the British Sovereign Base Area of Dhekelia . The first two are the villages of Ormidhia and Xylotymvou . Additionally there is the Dhekelia Power Station, which is divided by a British road into two parts. The northern part is an enclave, like the two villages, whereas the southern part is located by the sea and therefore not an enclave —although it has no territorial waters of its own.[ 45]
The UN buffer zone separating the territory controlled by the Turkish Cypriot administration from the rest of Cyprus runs up against Dhekelia and picks up again from its east side, off of Ayios Nikolaos (connected to the rest of Dhekelia by a thin land corridor). In that sense, the buffer zone turns the south-east corner of the island, the Paralimni area, into a de facto , though not de jure , exclave.
^ Supported by DIKO , EDEK , DIPA , Solidarity , Active Citizens – United Cypriot Hunters Movement and Animal Party Cyprus
^ Supported by AKEL and Generation Change
^ Supported by Famagusta for Cyprus
^ Occupied area's administrative divisions include Kyrenia, all but a small part of Famagusta (Ammochostos), and small parts of Lefkosia (Nicosia) and Larnaca.
^ a b "Secretariat Council of Ministers" . www.cm.gov.cy . Retrieved 2024-03-12 .
^ a b "Council of Ministers Composition | Προεδρία της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας |" . www.presidency.gov.cy (in Greek). Retrieved 2024-03-12 .
^ Ltd, DW Dynamic Works. "House of Representatives - Historical review" . House of Representatives . Retrieved 2024-03-12 .
^ a b c "Elections: Cyprus Parliament 2021" . IFES Election Guide . Retrieved 2021-02-14 .
^ a b c "ΔΗΣΥ: Από τον Κληρίδη σε Δημητρίου, οι κυριότεροι σταθμοί 47 χρόνων" . tothemaonline.com (in Greek). Retrieved 2024-07-06 .
^ "Γλαύκος Κληρίδης:Ο «πατέρας» του Δημοκρατικού Συναγερμού" . avant-garde.com.cy . Retrieved 2024-07-06 .
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^ OmegaLive (2023-03-11). "Εκλογές ΔΗΣΥ: Σαρωτική νίκη Αννίτας - Τα ποσοστά" . OmegaLive . Retrieved 2023-03-11 .
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^ Polignosi. "Ευρωπαϊκό Κόμμα ΕΥΡΩΚΟ" . www.polignosi.com . Retrieved 2024-07-12 .
^ "Theocharous leaves DISY, announces new movement (Updated) - Cyprus Mail Cyprus Mail" . 2015-11-21. Archived from the original on 2015-11-21. Retrieved 2024-07-13 .
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^ "Παραιτήθηκε ο ΥΠΕΞ και διεκδικεί την Προεδρία" . Stockwatch - Παράθυρο στην Οικονομία (in Greek). 2022-01-09. Retrieved 2024-07-14 .
^ AlphaNews Live (2022-10-23). Χριστοδουλίδης για Αβέρωφ: "Απαίτησε να παραιτηθώ αλλά δεν θέλω να φτάσουμε στα άκρα" . Retrieved 2024-07-14 – via YouTube.
^ "Κύπρος: Παραιτήθηκε από ΥΠΕΞ ο Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης – Εκδήλωσε ενδιαφέρον για τις προεδρικές εκλογές | Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ" . www.kathimerini.gr . 9 January 2022. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2022 .
^ AKEL, AKEL (2014-02-01). "88 χρόνια ΚΚΚ- ΑΚΕΛ" . ΑΚΕΛ (in Greek). Retrieved 2024-09-08 .
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^ Helena Smith, Cyprus gets ready for a communist 'takeover' , The Guardian , 2008
^ Papadakis, Yiannis; Peristianis, Nicos; Welz, Gisela (18 July 2016). Divided Cyprus: Modernity, History, and an Island in Conflict . Indiana University Press. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-253-11191-3 . Retrieved 25 October 2020 . This is admittedly a rough division that focuses on the largest parties in Cyprus: left-wing AKEL on the Greek Cypriot side...
^ Uwe Backes, Patrick Moreau, Communist and Post-Communist Parties in Europe , Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2008, ISBN 9783525369128 , p. 268 ss.
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