Government responds to calls for agriculture minister resignation over foot-and-mouth disease

Annita Demetriou, leader of the DISY party, has demanded the resignation of Cyprus Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou, citing a loss of control in managing the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. In a written response, presidential press office director Victoras Papadopoulos rejected the call, accusing Demetriou of political populism and vote-seeking ahead of legislative elections. The government stated that all EU-mandated protocols are being followed and that veterinary services are working to contain the epidemic. Furthermore, the administration highlighted ongoing coordination with the European Commission to address the health crisis. Following a direct appeal from the President of Cyprus to the European Commission president, a European Commissioner is expected to visit the country to provide additional support to affected livestock farmers. The government cautioned that bypassing EU procedures could lead to serious consequences. Demetriou argues that the situation is dramatic and out of control, while the government maintains that its response is effective and fully compliant with European law.