Politics of Cyprus

Ministries

The Ministers form the Council of Ministers, including other members who may not be listed, which is an independent collective body with independent powers. In bold is listed a Ministry that was not an original ministry, but created after London and Zürich Agreements.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

1. Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Minister: Petros Xenophontos
2. Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Minister: Giorgos Papanastasiou
3. Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Minister: Alexis Vafiades
4. Ministry of Defence, Minister: Vasilis Palmas
5. Ministry of Education, Sports and youth, Minister: Dr Athena Michaelidou
6. Ministry of Finance, Minister: Makis Keravnos
7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister: Constantinos Kombos
8. Ministry of Health, Minister: Popi Kanari
9. Ministry of Interior, Minister: Constantinos Ioannou
10. Ministry of Justice and Public Order, Minister: Anna Prokopiou
11. Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, Minister: Yiannis Panayiotou<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Deputy Ministries

1. Deputy Ministry of Shipping, Deputy Minister: Marina Hadjimanoli
2. Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Deputy Minister: Costas Koumis
3. Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Deputy Minister: Nicodemos Damianou
4. Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, Deputy Minister: Marilena Evangelou
5. Deputy Ministry of Culture, Deputy Minister: Vasiliki Kassianidou
6. Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Asylum, Depute Minister: Nicholas A Ioannides<ref name=":1" />

Legislative branch

The House of Representatives (Template:Langx; Template:Langx) has 59 members elected for a five-year term: 56 Greek Cypriot members chosen by proportional representation and 3 observer members representing the Maronite, Latin Catholic and Armenian minorities. 24 seats are allocated to the Turkish community, but are currently vacant.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Political parties

Democratic Rally (DISY)

Template:Main The centre-right Democratic Rally (DISY) is the largest political party in Cyprus, currently holding 17 of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> Founded on July 4, 1976, by veteran politician Glafcos Clerides, DISY emerged from the split of the right-wing "Eniaion" into two opposing parties: DISY and DIKO.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

DISY is a Christian democratic<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and liberal-conservative<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> party, often described as the most Atlanticist, pro-NATO and pro-EU party in Cyprus.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The party is currently led by Annita Demetriou,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> who also serves as the President of the Cypriot House of Representatives, making her the first woman to hold this office.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two former leaders of the party have served as Presidents of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides (1993–2003) and Nicos Anastasiades (2013–2023).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> DISY is a member of the European People's Party.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Over the years, internal disagreements, particularly regarding the Cyprus issue, have led to the formation of three splinter parties: the European Party (EvroKo), European Democracy (EvroDi)<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Solidarity Movement.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The current President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, was previously a member of DISY and served as Government Spokesman (2014–2018) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2018–2022) under Anastasiades. Christodoulides sought DISY's nomination for the 2023 presidential election, but following accusations of undermining his campaign, he resigned from his ministerial role and launched an independent candidacy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Notable Figures

• Glafkos Clerides, founder and former leader of DISY (1976–1993) and former President of Cyprus (1993–2003).
  Glafkos Clerides, founder and former leader of DISY (1976–1993) and former President of Cyprus (1993–2003).
• Nikos Anastasiades, former MP, President of DISY (1997–2013) and President of Cyprus (2013–2023).
  Nikos Anastasiades, former MP, President of DISY (1997–2013) and President of Cyprus (2013–2023).
• MP Averof Neofytou, former President of DISY (2013–2023) and DISY's candidate for the 2023 presidential election.
  MP Averof Neofytou, former President of DISY (2013–2023) and DISY's candidate for the 2023 presidential election.
• MP Annita Demetriou, President of DISY (2023–present) and President of the House of Representatives (2021–present).
  MP Annita Demetriou, President of DISY (2023–present) and President of the House of Representatives (2021–present).
• Ioannis Kasoulidis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, MEP and DISY's candidate for the 2008 presidential election.
  Ioannis Kasoulidis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, MEP and DISY's candidate for the 2008 presidential election.
• MEP Loukas Fourlas, DISY Member of the European Parliament since 2019.
  MEP Loukas Fourlas, DISY Member of the European Parliament since 2019.
• Stella Kyriakides, former DISY MP, former President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (2017–2018) and European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety (2019–present).
  Stella Kyriakides, former DISY MP, former President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (2017–2018) and European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety (2019–present).
• Lefteris Christoforou, former DISY MP (1996–2014) and MEP (2014–2022), Member of the European Court of Auditors (2022–present).
  Lefteris Christoforou, former DISY MP (1996–2014) and MEP (2014–2022), Member of the European Court of Auditors (2022–present).
• Phedonas Phedonos, Member of DISY, Mayor of Paphos since 2015.
  Phedonas Phedonos, Member of DISY, Mayor of Paphos since 2015.
• MP Harris Georgiades, former Minister of Finance (2013–2019) and Deputy Leader of DISY.
  MP Harris Georgiades, former Minister of Finance (2013–2019) and Deputy Leader of DISY.

Notable Former Party Members

• President Nikos Christodoulides, former Spokesman of Anastasiades' Government (2014–2018) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2018–2022), and Independent President of Cyprus (2023–present)
  President Nikos Christodoulides, former Spokesman of Anastasiades' Government (2014–2018) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2018–2022), and Independent President of Cyprus (2023–present)
• Yiannakis Matsis, former President of DISY (1993–1997) founder of For Europe alliance (2004) and former MEP for the splinter party EvroDi (2004–2009).
  Yiannakis Matsis, former President of DISY (1993–1997) founder of For Europe alliance (2004) and former MEP for the splinter party EvroDi (2004–2009).
• Eleni Theocharous, former DISY MP and MEP, founder and president of the DISY splinter party Solidarity Movement.
  Eleni Theocharous, former DISY MP and MEP, founder and president of the DISY splinter party Solidarity Movement.
• Demetris Syllouris, expelled DISY MP (2001–2004), president of the DISY splinter party EVROKO (2005–2016) and former President of the House of Representatives (2016–2020).
  Demetris Syllouris, expelled DISY MP (2001–2004), president of the DISY splinter party EVROKO (2005–2016) and former President of the House of Representatives (2016–2020).

Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL)

The left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) is the second largest political party in Cyprus, currently holding 15 of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives.<ref name=":2" /> It was founded in 1926 with the name "Communist Party of Cyprus" fighting against fascism, imperialism and chauvinism, but also aiming at the independence of Cyprus from British rule.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

AKEL is a Marxist–Leninist, eurosceptic and communist party,<ref name=":02">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":13">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Guardian">Helena Smith, Cyprus gets ready for a communist 'takeover', The Guardian, 2008</ref> classified as left-wing<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Uwe Backes, Patrick Moreau, Communist and Post-Communist Parties in Europe, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2008, Template:ISBN, p. 268 ss.</ref> to far-left.<ref>Contemporary Far Left Parties in Europe From Marxism to the Mainstream? Luke March, 2008, P.4</ref> It is currently led by MP Stefanos Stefanou and it is a member of The Left in the European Parliament.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> One party leader, Demetris Christofias, served as the President of Cyprus (2008–2013) for one term, without seeking re-election. Other presidents that were supported by AKEL were Archbishop Makarios III, Spyros Kyprianou, George Vassiliou and Tassos Papadopoulos.

Notable Figures

• Demetris Christofias, former General Secretary of AKEL (1988–2009), President of the House of Representatives (2001–2008) and President of Cyprus (2008–2013).
  Demetris Christofias, former General Secretary of AKEL (1988–2009), President of the House of Representatives (2001–2008) and President of Cyprus (2008–2013).
• MP Andros Kyprianou, former General Secretary of AKEL (2009–2021).
  MP Andros Kyprianou, former General Secretary of AKEL (2009–2021).
• MP Stefanos Stefanou, General Secretary of AKEL since 2021.
  MP Stefanos Stefanou, General Secretary of AKEL since 2021.
• MP Irene Charalambidou, vice-president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
  MP Irene Charalambidou, vice-president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
• Stavros Malas, former Minister of Health (2011–2013) and AKEL-backed independent candidate in the 2013 and 2018 presidential elections.
  Stavros Malas, former Minister of Health (2011–2013) and AKEL-backed independent candidate in the 2013 and 2018 presidential elections.
• Eleni Mavrou, former AKEL MP (2001–2006), Minister of Interior (2012–2013) and Mayor of Nicosia (2007–2011).
  Eleni Mavrou, former AKEL MP (2001–2006), Minister of Interior (2012–2013) and Mayor of Nicosia (2007–2011).
• Andreas Christou, former AKEL MP (1991–2003), Interior Minister (2003–2006), Minister of Health (2004–2005) and Mayor of Limassol (2007–2016).
  Andreas Christou, former AKEL MP (1991–2003), Interior Minister (2003–2006), Minister of Health (2004–2005) and Mayor of Limassol (2007–2016).

Notable Former Party Members

• Giorgos Lillikas, former AKEL MP (1996–2003), founder of the splinter party Citizens' Alliance, and independent candidate at the 2013 Cypriot presidential election.
  Giorgos Lillikas, former AKEL MP (1996–2003), founder of the splinter party Citizens' Alliance, and independent candidate at the 2013 Cypriot presidential election.

Democratic Party (DIKO)

Template:Main The Democratic Party (DIKO) is the largest centrist political party in Cyprus,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> currently holding 9 out of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives.<ref name=":2" /> Like the Democratic Rally (DISY), DIKO was founded in 1976 following the split of the right-wing "Eniaion". Initially named the Democratic Alignment (DIPA), the party was led by Spyros Kyprianou.<ref name=":3" />

DIKO is variously described as centrist,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> centre-left<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> or centre-right;<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> internationally, it is a member of the Progressive Alliance, which groups together mainly centre-left parties.<ref name="Democratic Party">Template:Cite web</ref> DIKO claims to be the most loyal follower of the policies of Archbishop Makarios, the founding father of the Republic of Cyprus.<ref>Eric Solsten, ed. Cyprus: A Country Study, US Congress</ref> It is currently led by Nikolas Papadopoulos, son of Tassos Papadopoulos, former President of Cyprus and of DIKO.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At its inception in 1976, DIKO maintained the right-wing ideology of its parent-party, Eniaion.<ref name=":3" /> However, in June 2003, under the leadership of Tassos Papadopoulos, DIKO announced a shift away from its traditional centre-right stance and declared an intention to move towards social democracy.<ref name="Dew2005">Template:Cite book</ref> The party has adopted a firm and hardline stance on the Cyprus problem, particularly in its strong opposition to the Annan Plan in 2004. While DIKO supports European integration and advocates a non-aligned foreign policy, it has also expressed support for Cyprus joining NATO's Partnership for Peace.<ref>Christophoros Christophorou (2009). The Evolution of Greek Cypriot Party Politics. The Government and Politics of Cyprus. Peter Lang. p. 90.</ref>

Two former leaders of the party have served as Presidents of Cyprus, Spyros Kyprianou (1977–1988) and Tassos Papadopoulos (2003–2008). The current President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, although running as an independent, was supported by DIKO, making the party the largest in the current government.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Internal disagreements over the Cyprus problem led to the creation of the splinter party Democratic Alignment (DIPA), in 2018, led by the former president of DIKO, Marios Garoyian.

Notable Figures

• Spyros Kyprianou, former President of DIKO (1976–2000), President of the House of Representatives (1976–1977, 1996–2001) and President of Cyprus (1977–1988).
  Spyros Kyprianou, former President of DIKO (1976–2000), President of the House of Representatives (1976–1977, 1996–2001) and President of Cyprus (1977–1988).
• Tassos Papadopoulos, former President of DIKO (200–2006), President of the House of Representatives (1976) and President of Cyprus (2003–2008).
  Tassos Papadopoulos, former President of DIKO (200–2006), President of the House of Representatives (1976) and President of Cyprus (2003–2008).
• MP Nikolas Papadopoulos, President of DIKO since 2013 and DIKO's candidate in the 2018 presidential election.
  MP Nikolas Papadopoulos, President of DIKO since 2013 and DIKO's candidate in the 2018 presidential election.
• MEP Costas Mavrides, DIKO's Member of the European Parliament since 2014.
  MEP Costas Mavrides, DIKO's Member of the European Parliament since 2014.
• Makis Keravnos, member of DIKO, former Minister of Labor and Social Security (2003–2004), and Minister of Finance since 2023.
  Makis Keravnos, member of DIKO, former Minister of Labor and Social Security (2003–2004), and Minister of Finance since 2023.
• Antigoni Papadopoulou, former MP (2001–2009), MEP (2009–2014), Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (2001–2009) and Mayor of Morphou (1996–2001).
  Antigoni Papadopoulou, former MP (2001–2009), MEP (2009–2014), Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (2001–2009) and Mayor of Morphou (1996–2001).
• Vasilis Palmas, member of DIKO, former Government Spokesperson (2007–2008), Deputy Minister to the President (2017–2022), and Minister of Defence since 2024.
  Vasilis Palmas, member of DIKO, former Government Spokesperson (2007–2008), Deputy Minister to the President (2017–2022), and Minister of Defence since 2024.

Notable Former Party Members

• MP Marios Garoyian, former President of DIKO (2006–2013), President of the House of Representatives (2008–2011), and founder and leader of the splinter party DIPA.
  MP Marios Garoyian, former President of DIKO (2006–2013), President of the House of Representatives (2008–2011), and founder and leader of the splinter party DIPA.

Latest elections

Parliament

Template:Main {{#section-h:2021 Cypriot legislative election|Results}}

Political pressure groups and leaders

1. Cypriot Workers Union (Template:Langx)
2. Union of Cypriots (Template:Langx; Template:Langx)
3. Revolutionary Trade Unions Federation (DEV-İŞ)
4. Pan-Cyprian Labour Federation or PEO (Template:Langx)
5. Eleftheria Citizens Initiative (Template:Langx)

Administrative divisions

File:Cyprus administrative.jpg

Map of the Districts in Cyprus

Template:See also The island is divided into 6 administrative divisions: Nicosia (Lefkosia), Limassol (Lemesos), Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta (Ammochostos), and Kyrenia.Template:Efn

Exclaves and enclaves

Cyprus has four exclaves, all in territory that belongs to the British Sovereign Base Area of Dhekelia. The first two are the villages of Ormidhia and Xylotymvou. Additionally there is the Dhekelia Power Station, which is divided by a British road into two parts. The northern part is an enclave, like the two villages, whereas the southern part is located by the sea and therefore not an enclave —although it has no territorial waters of its own.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The UN buffer zone separating the territory controlled by the Turkish Cypriot administration from the rest of Cyprus runs up against Dhekelia and picks up again from its east side, off of Ayios Nikolaos (connected to the rest of Dhekelia by a thin land corridor). In that sense, the buffer zone turns the south-east corner of the island, the Paralimni area, into a de facto, though not de jure, exclave.

See also

• Cyprus
• Northern Cyprus
• List of ministers of communications and works of Cyprus
• List of ministers of labour and social insurance of Cyprus
• Corruption in Cyprus

Further reading

• Template:Cite book

External links

• Cyprus Elections by KyproEkloges.com