Cyprus’s transport minister in the firing line over controversial Limassol port privatisation

The controversial privatisation of Cyprus’s top port could take a big scalp with calls growing for Marios Demetiades, the transport minister, to resign. DP World and Eurogate took control of the port late last month – a move that had seen strikes by dockworkers in the run up to the handover.

Opposition parties and trade unions yesterday called for Demetiades to step down following his claims on Monday that machinery at the port was vandalised prior to the January 29 handover.

Demetiades yesterday stood by his comments, but did criticise the new port tenants for delays at the facility seen throughout February.

The Cyprus Shipping Association has also voiced its concerns about the new port operator, suggesting fees for some ship types calling at the port could rise by 150%.