Cyprus president shakes up cabinet, replacing ministers of defense, health, justice and environment

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The president of Cyprus has moved ahead with a considerable shake-up of his cabinet, replacing his ministers of defense, health, justice and environment as well as the deputy ministers of digital policy and European affairs in one fell swoop after just 10 months in power. Monday’s move comes after week-long speculation about which of the 16 cabinet posts would see new faces following an interview in which President Nikos Christodoulides indicated that the shake-up would be coming. Vassilis Palmas, the new minister of defense is an old political hand who has acted as government spokesman and a deputy minister in two previous administrations. History professor Maria Panayiotou gets a promotion from environment commissioner to environment and agriculture minister.