President Nikos Christodoulides assured his ministers on Thursday that he would personally inform them about the reshuffle, dispelling media reports suggesting the changes would be completed before the 18-month mark, which is when they would be eligible for ministerial pensions.

Christodoulides made these comments ahead of a cabinet meeting, emphasising that he considers all ministers as “colleagues” and would be the sole source of information about any changes.

He added that they would not be informed by the media or anyone else about their position or his intentions.

Regarding the work done by his cabinet, Christodoulides said that in the first ten months in power, they have accomplished significant work, which he called on the ministers to highlight.

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, when questioned about the reshuffle after the cabinet meeting, echoed the president’s stance, stating, “The president has already expressed his opinion on the matter. The only concern I have is to do what needs to be done for the economy to continue on a good path.”

Asked if he has any personal wishes about the reshuffle, Keravnos said that it is solely the president’s concern.

A lot of noise has been created over the reshuffle following an interview in Philnews for the new year, where Christodoulides was quoted saying that it could happen before the 18-month mark.

Reports surrounding the reshuffle gained traction after an interview with Christodoulides hinted at a possible occurrence before the 18-month mark.

Speculations arose that the motive could be to prevent ministers from benefiting from pensions. While some reports suggested it might happen by the end of the month, the government, when asked, evaded a definitive response.

Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said: “The president will decide when the reshuffle will take place.”

Speaking on Omega television, Letymbiotis outlined two main criteria for new appointments: candidates must possess relevant expertise in the ministry’s field and align with Christodoulides’ governance programme.

According to a report in Philenews, after meetings with political parties participating in his government, President Nikos Christodoulides said that he would proceed with the reshuffle in January, with him having the final say in who stays and goes.

Discussions between the president and party leaders and close associates suggested a broad-ranging reshuffle, potentially affecting up to half of the cabinet members.

According to the report, the seats that are safe are Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou and Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou.

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Undersecretary to the president Irene Piki, and Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli are also set to continue in the government, the report said.

Piki is pegged to move to a ministry, depending on the president being able to find a suitable replacement.