President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, asked his Ministers to work hard, with decisiveness and determination, and be willing to cooperate with all political parties, stakeholders and the Media while implementing the reforms envisioned in the government program. He was speaking on Tuesday, at the Presidential Palace after the swearing-in ceremony of four new Cabinet Ministers, appointed following a government reshuffle, announced on Sunday.
 
Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris, Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou and Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos assumed their new duties, while Government Spokesman Kyriacos Koushos and Deputy Government Spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas were also appointed, succeeding Prodromos Prodromou and Klelia Vasiliou respectively.
 
Addressing the ceremony, President Anastasiades said that a government reshuffle is deemed as necessary from time to time, when it serves the strategic choices of a government, this however does not contradict the main goal of the government to meet peoples’ expectations.
 
The only way to attain this is through institutional changes and the complete modernization of state structures and of decision-making processes, he went on. The President stressed the need to proceed with reforms, in addition to everything that his government has done so far.
 
He called on new and current Ministers to intensify their efforts through hard work and by sticking to the vision that has been set, while making everything possible to implement the proposed reforms.
 
Among others, he referred to the completion of the General Health Scheme and to the effort to enhance the flexibility and efficiency of the justice system. Public service also needs to modernize and the local administration reform needs to be completed, the President went on. As for the education system, President Anastasiades said that a comprehensive reform was necessary in order to enhance its quality.
 
The President said that he expected his Ministers to go through with a series of important development projects, within the deadlines that were set. In particular, he referred to the Larnaca marina, the Vassilikos Energy Center, the relocation of oil facilities from Larnaca, the new Archeological Museum of Cyprus, the Limassol stadium and the completion of several road network projects.
 
What I expect from all members of this government is for them to engage in the greatest possible degree and to consult with all political powers, civil society organisations and trade unions, in order to proceed with the implementation of the government program, reforms, national plans and development projects, the President said.
 
He also asked his Ministers to show tolerance to criticism, even if it is deemed unfair, and reply with composure. He also said that Ministers should find the courage to acknowledge their mistakes and take corrective action. “Only those who do nothing avoid making mistakes” the President noted.
 
At the same time, the President asked his Ministers to show respect to the personnel of the public service. The most important thing, he said, is to be in daily touch with the people and be able to sense their concerns and hear their suggestions.
 
Speaking on behalf of the Ministers who were sworn in, Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides said that they are aware of the responsibilities they are assuming and thanked the President for his confidence in them.
 
“We are fully cognizant of the responsibility we are undertaking, we know that hard work is required and dedication, in order to meet the challenges, Petrides said.
 
After the ceremony, outgoing Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou and Deputy Government Spokeswoman Klelia Vasiliou handed over their portfolio to their successors, Kyriacos Koushos and Panayiotis Sentonas, respectively.
 
Prodromou said that he leaves his post without worrying, as he welcomes the “reputable and experienced lawyer” Kyriacos Koushos as his successor. He also wished Sentonas every success and thanked Vasiliou for their cooperation. Koushos said in turn that he aims to have a good cooperation with all political parties, without discrimanations.
 
Klelia Vasiliou, who is being appointed as Environment Commissioner on Wednesday, thanked everyone for their cooperation, while Sentonas referred to the need to inform citizens properly, and build with them a relationship that is based on truth.