Parliament on Thursday passed legislation establishing a junior ministry of culture under the umbrella of the education ministry.

The voting went 34 for, 13 against – with the MPs of main opposition Akel abstaining.

Under the law passed, the new junior ministry will begin operating in July this year.

On the contentious issue of transferring the antiquities department and their staff to the new junior ministry, it was decided that the transfer will take place one year after the culture ministry has started operating.

This is the fourth junior ministry established by the Anastasiades government – after shipping, tourism and innovation.