Commerce Minister, Neoclis Sylikiotis criticized strongly on Wednesday the majority of the parliamentary parties that during the approval of the state budget they froze appointments and promotions in the public service.

According to the Minister, many important departments in the public service work with deputies and this creates problems to the functioning of the state.

Asked about who will succeed the Director of Energy Service Solon Kassinis, he stated that he will not be the one to decide but someone from the department will be appointed as deputy director of Energy.

The Minister also sent his own message to the new government, urging it to continue its successful policy on energy issues, which “is recognized abroad”.

"Christofias government followed a prudent strategy in the management of natural gas, which ensured the exercise of sovereign rights of the Republic amid Turkish threats”.

Finally, he stressed that the government's policy on energy paves the way for Cyprus to return to growth.