After widespread criticism over a directive restricting Ministry employees from communicating with the media, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou issued a statement on the platform 'X,' addressing the controversy. The directive, widely criticized as restrictive, had drawn severe backlash for its potential to undermine transparency.

>>Troubling Directive: Media Statements Permitted Only with the Minister's Approval and Guidance<<

In her statement, Panayiotou attempted to defuse the situation, framing the issue as a "misunderstanding:"

"With full respect for the role of journalists, we have upgraded the Press Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment. Our goal is accurate, timely, and comprehensive information. We have no intention of silencing anyone, quite the opposite. These have been and remain my instructions, and this is what we implement in practice. It is with regret that I note a miswording in my instructions created a different impression, entirely contrary to my beliefs and principles. I am confident that the vast majority of journalists can attest to my commitment to press freedom through our long-standing collaboration."

The statement, while conciliatory in tone, did not clarify whether the directive’s content or its implementation would be revised.