New cabinet sworn in, urged to work for ‘all Cypriots’ (Update 2)

President Nikos Christodoulides called on his new ministers to raise the bar high and keep their tone low, as his new cabinet was sworn in on Wednesday.

In his speech, Christodoulides pledged his government would be one “for all Cypriots” and would be ruled by transparency, respect and hard work.

“Let us be a strong team that takes the country forward.”

He called on the new ministers to keep their doors open to the public and continue the public dialogue that began during the election campaign.

“There is no grace period for any of us. I want you to know this very well. I am certain we will be judged harshly on a daily basis. This has already begun, before we even took up our duties but this should not be seen negatively. Harsh criticism from day one, is an indication of the high expectations society has for our governance.”

Christodoulides stressed that the cabinet was there to serve the public. “We’re not here to serve any personal ambitions. Mismanagement and corruption will not be tolerated. I want to make that clear to all of you,” he said.

“Raise the bar high over and keep your tones low.”

The ceremony took place at the events hall of the presidential palace at 10am. Once all ministers were sworn in, they went to the courtyard where Christodoulides laid a wreath beneath the statue of Archbishop Makarios.

(Photo: Christos Theodorides)Christodoulides urged his ministers to operate in a practical and effective manner, always within the framework of the law.

“None of us, myself foremost, is above the law. We have to be the living example of the law.”

He said the new government will be one “for all Cypriots”.

“We can take the country forward.”

The new president said that although there were no magic wands to offer solutions to the country’s problems, the dedication and work ethic was there.

Transparency is crucial for the new government, he added, saying “we will rule with transparency and accountability on a daily basis”.

“We have a duty to the new generation” and to all the people that entrusted the new government, Christodoulides highlighted.

“We will be judged by the results.”

Cabinet also convened for the first time where the president asked his ministers to prepare a report highlighting their priorities, as well as an action plan. He encouraged them to come prepared to cabinet sessions, wanting them to express their thoughts for all agenda matters, not just those that concern their own ministries.

The who’s who of Christodoulides’ cabinet has already raised many questions over his choices, including the failure to meet the 50/50 men and women criterion he set for himself. He also appointed two ministers from previous administrations, going against his pledge that his cabinet would be made up of entirely new faces.