The President of the Republic has announced a reshuffling in the government’s composition with new ministers, deputy ministers and commissioners being appointed.
The officials will be sworn in and assume their duties on January 10.
Minister of Health – Michalis Damianos
Michalis Damianos, born in Nicosia (Archangelos) with familial ties to Polystypos and Larnaca, is a barrister. He holds an LLB with honours from the University of Southampton and an LLM from the University of Cambridge, specialising in International Law. He boasts professional experience at international law firms such as Simmons & Simmons and Hogan Lovells in London, focusing on corporate, commercial, and energy matters. Upon returning to Cyprus, he established his law firm in 2010. He also served as a Municipal Councillor in the Municipality of Strovolos (2011-2016) and has held the position of Vice Chair of the Democratic Party (Diko) since 2018.
Minister of Defence – Vasilis Palmas
Vasilis Palmas, born in Limassol in 1964, pursued studies in Political Sciences and Public Administration. He worked as a manager in the Farmakas Quarries Group and was a member of the Tender Review Authority. Palmas served as the Press Director of the Office of the President of the Republic and Government Spokesman in the Tassos Papadopoulos Government. On 8 May 2017, he assumed the role of Deputy Minister of State to the Government of Nicos Anastasiades, resigning on 2 February 2022, citing personal reasons.
Minister of Justice and Public Order – Marios Hartsiotis
Marios Hartsiotis, born in Nicosia, graduated from the Law School of the University of Athens. Operating his law office in Limassol since 1990, Hartsiotis also holds an MA degree in Theology from the University of Nicosia. He is a registered Arbitrator with the Cyprus Arbitration and Mediation Centre.
Minister of Agriculture – Maria Panayiotou
Maria Panayiotou, born on June 5, 1982, in Larnaca, pursued studies in History and Archaeology at the University of Cyprus. She completed postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham, earning an MPhil (B) in Modern East Mediterranean History and a PhD in Modern and Contemporary History from the University of Cyprus. Panayiotou served as Commissioner for the Environment and Head of the Press Office of Edek. Her experience encompasses over seven research excellence projects co-funded by various entities, including the European Development Funds and the University of Cyprus.
Deputy Minister of Research and Innovation – Nikodimos Damianou
Nikodimos Damianou, born in Nicosia in 1973, is equipped with a Sc.B in Computer Science from Brown University, a Ph.D. in Computer & Network Management from Imperial College, and an MBA from the University of Cyprus. With a robust background in IT and information security, Damianou has served as the General Manager of JCC Payment Systems Ltd for the past six years.
Deputy Minister of European Affairs – Marilena Raouna
Marilena Raouna, a lawyer born in Larnaca in 1983, pursued law studies at the University of Oxford and earned a postgraduate degree (LLM) in Public International and European Law at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences. Raouna’s career includes roles at the European Commission, the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union, and the Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic, where she served as a advisor on European Union issues.
Environment Commissioner – Antonia Theodosiou
Antonia Theodosiou, with a Master’s degree in Architecture specializing in ecological building and restoration, studied at the Technical University of Aachen in Germany. She has been actively engaged in various environmental initiatives, including her role as Project Manager of the Akamas Sustainable Development Management Plan.
Citizens Commissioner – Panagiotis Palates
Panagiotis Palates, born in Nicosia in 1985, holds a degree in Archaeology from the University of Ioannina. With a background in academic research and excavation projects in Greece and Jordan, Palates served as an Advisor to the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities – Haralambos Christofinas
Haralambos Christofinas, born in Kyperounda on March 29, 1966, holds a degree in Political Sciences and Public Administration from the Athens Law School. With a professional history that includes roles in the Department of Water Development and the private sector, Christofinas has been actively involved in various associations and foundations. He was a member of the youth wing of the Democratic Rally (Disy).
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