Government Ministries
Each of Cyprus’ 11 ministries is headed by a minister who is responsible for the overall administration and organisation of services of their respective ministry, as well as for the implementation of laws relating to their ministerial portfolio. Ministers also form the Council of Ministers which, together with the president, forms the executive arm of the government. Its responsibilities include aiding decisions on general policy direction, supervising the coordination of the country’s public services and drawing up government budgets for presentation to the House of Representatives. Ministers are appointed by the president and may be chosen from outside the House of Representatives. The civil servant head in each ministry is the permanent secretary.