During her mandate, Kyriakides launched a European cancer plan and proposed an overhaul of the rules of the bloc’s pharmaceutical legislation. But her term was largely overshadowed by the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in a cascade of legislation to beef up Europe’s disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.
In public health, her unit faced criticism from some NGOs for delaying new rules on smoking, which have still not landed.
Kyriakides’ return to Cyprus ups the chances for two others — if they can leap some significant hurdles first: Malta’s former Health Minister Chris Fearne and Belgium’s Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke.
Fearne was Malta’s pick for the next Commission but handed back his nomination after he was charged with fraud in connection with a hospital contract scandal — allegations he has denied.
Earlier this week Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced he still hopes to nominate Fearne if he can clear his name in court within two weeks.
Vandenbroucke meanwhile has support from many within the health community but his chances depend on the machinations within the new Belgian government following the national election last month.
Kyriakides, a psychologist and politician, will now determine her next steps “in the political arena,” in Cyprus.
