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Energy Minister Endorses Party’s Continued Role In Government Amid Political Tumult

Strong Support for Government Coalition

In a recent interview with Alpha TV, Energy Minister and Vice President of the Democratic Party (DK) Michalis Damianous made his position unmistakably clear: the party must remain in the government and coalition. His remarks came during an interview with Nikos Neokleous, amidst an environment charged by political controversies.

Political Challenges and Emerging Allegations

Notably, the interview was conducted prior to the unfolding political upheaval surrounding a discredited video and allegations of undisclosed financial contributions from businessmen alleged to benefit either the government or the state. These developments have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the current administration’s handling of complex issues.

Responding to Criticism

When pressed about the recent critical statements made by DK President regarding the management of the electrical interconnection—criticism documented in recent reports—Damianous reaffirmed his stance. He asserted that, as long as the agreed governmental program is on track, the DK must maintain its role in the coalition, a position further supported by the administration’s strategy as detailed in official communications.

Collective Decision-Making and Party Discipline

When asked about the potential scenario in which the DK might oppose his view, Damianous stressed that any decision regarding government participation will be determined collectively by the party’s governing bodies. He emphasized his commitment to upholding these collective decisions, while personally advocating for the party’s continued inclusion in the coalition. His pledge is clear: should the party resolve to exit the government following the controversies, he will adhere to the collective mandate.

Reevaluating Cost Projections

During the interview, Damianous also called for updated financial analyses concerning the electrical interconnection project—a proposal previously contested by Nikolas Papadopoulos, who cited remarks from European Commissioner Jörgensen. According to Damianous, the economic parameters used in earlier cost estimates are outdated, highlighting the necessity for a revised review as the project progresses over the years.

The interview underscores the delicate balance between maintaining political alliances and addressing accountability in the midst of evolving fiscal and governance challenges.

Cyprus Ranks Among EU Leaders In Tertiary-Educated ICT Workforce

High Educational Attainment Sets Cyprus Apart

Recent data from Eurostat showed that Cyprus is expected to rank among the leading European countries for tertiary-educated ICT professionals in 2025. According to the figures, 96.4% of ICT professionals in Cyprus are projected to hold tertiary education qualifications, placing the country among the highest-ranked members of the European Union.

Gender Disparity Remains A Critical Challenge

Despite the high level of educational attainment, the ICT workforce in Cyprus continues to show a significant gender imbalance. Men are projected to account for 85.1% of ICT employees in 2025, while women are expected to represent 14.9% of the sector. In 2024, the split stood at 70.9% for men and 29.1% for women. The figures highlighted a widening gender gap within the country’s ICT workforce.

European Union Trends And Comparative Analysis

Across the European Union, the number of ICT professionals is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2025 from 3.2 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 5.1%. Men are expected to account for 83.4% of ICT employment across the bloc, equivalent to approximately 2.8 million workers, while women are projected to represent 16.6%.

National Performance Variability In Gender Representation

Countries within the EU show a varied landscape: the highest percentages of male ICT professionals are reported in the Czech Republic (92.9%), Slovenia (89.1%), Latvia (89.0%), Lithuania (88.9%), and Slovakia (88.4%). On the contrary, nations such as Denmark (30.0%), Sweden (29.8%), Romania (28.6%), Bulgaria (25.6%), and Croatia (25.2%) lead in female participation in the ICT arena.

Educational Background Across The European ICT Sector

Eurostat data also showed that most ICT professionals across the EU hold tertiary education qualifications. By 2025, 74.8% of ICT workers in the bloc are projected to have university-level education, while 25.2% are expected to hold secondary or post-secondary qualifications. Denmark recorded the highest share of tertiary-educated ICT professionals at 97.7%, followed by France at 96.6% and Cyprus at 96.4%. Other countries with high levels of tertiary-educated ICT workers included Ireland at 92.3%, Bulgaria at 91.1%, and Croatia at 90.9%. At the lower end of the ranking, Italy recorded 69.2%, while Portugal stood at 58.8%.

Conclusion

The data perfectly encapsulates the dual narrative in the ICT sector: while countries like Cyprus and Denmark achieve remarkable educational standards among ICT workers, persistent gender disparities remind us that diversity remains an ongoing challenge. As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, strategic policy formation and corporate governance will be pivotal in balancing excellence with inclusivity.

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