Maria Panayiotou — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus since 2024
Previously served as Commissioner of Environment between 2023 and 2024
Taught economic history at the University of Cyprus between 2017 and 2022
Research focused on Cyprus' economic history, agricultural export trade, British fiscal policy, and port infrastructure
Promoted a national water investment plan in April 2024, valued at hundreds of millions of euros, to tackle drought and improve water management
Announced a new strategy for the primary sector in October 2024 with a budget of €109.3 million
Holds a PhD in modern and contemporary history from the University of Cyprus (2017)

Biography

Maria Panayiotou is a Cypriot politician, historian, and professor, currently serving as the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus since 2024. Prior to this, she was the Commissioner of Environment from 2023 to 2024. Her political career also includes serving as press officer and spokesperson for the EDEK party between 2016 and 2023.