Annita Demetriou: Cyprus elects first female and youngest-ever parliamentary speaker

·

The Cypriot parliament elected its first female speaker on Thursday, handing the role to 35-year-old Annita Demetriou, a member of the governing conservative Democratic Rally party.

According to a Facebook post from the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Ms Demetriou is also the youngest person ever to be elected to the role.

Demetriou received backing from the centrist Democratic Front and from ELAM, a far-right party which almost doubled its standing in a parliamentary election last month.

https://www.facebook.com/CyprusinAustralia/posts/1482392468764582

As speaker of the House of Representatives, Demetriou is second in the state hierarchy after the national president.

A political scientist by training, she is considered one of her party’s most successful politicians.

Demetriou’s first attempt to be elected a lawmaker almost failed in 2016 when she was removed from a list of potential parliamentary election candidates, and one senior member said the party was contesting an election, “not a beauty pageant.”

New House President, Annita Demetriou. Photo: CNA / Cyprus Mail.

She was later reinstated after pressure from grassroot party members and went on to win her first term in parliament. She was re-elected to parliament last month.

Cyprus, a member of the European Union, has an executive system of government but parliamentary elections are an important gauge of how alliances may shift for presidential elections.

Seven parties are represented in parliament. None has an outright majority.

Source: Reuters.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Olympic Games: Offering a ray of hope within a state of upheaval

We can put Covid in the back of our minds as we join these young competitors in their attempts to claim that highly coveted olive branch.

Leaders of Greece and Turkey pledge to ‘reset’ ties

After decades of tension, the leaders of Greece and Turkey have pledged to 'reset' ties and resume talks between both countries.

Ambassador of Greece to Australia meets with Archbishop Makarios in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with Stavros Venizelos, the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, on Tuesday, September 17.