Newly appointed deputy minister of social welfare Tina Pavlou on Thursday promised significant reforms and stressed her commitment to her new position.

“[We will] stand by the families of Cyprus, who are suffering and need us,” she said at the swearing-in ceremony at the presidential palace.

Pavlou, succeeding Clea Papaellina, who has moved to the position of deputy culture minister, said that she was proud to take over from “worthy predecessors” and assured that she would be continuing the work where Papaellina had left off.

Referring to her former occupation as the director of the Ayia Skepi drug rehabilitation centre, she emphasised that she identified with the work of the deputy ministry and its staff, saying that she considered it her duty to stand by those less privileged.

“I want to be here, to stand alongside all these people who are working hard, alongside all of you,” she said, expressing her deep appreciation for the opportunity she has been given.

Her predecessor Papaellina, on her part, said she was bringing a “brief but meaningful journey” to a close.

She said that during her time as deputy minister, she had worked hard to implement a social policy that was not limited to the provision of benefits but created opportunities for participation, independent living, social inclusion and social rights.