Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said on Friday that during its term in office Demetris Christofias’ government fulfilled important tasks the value of which will become clear as years pass by.

In a statement after the last meeting of the Cabinet, as the new government will take over on March 1st, Stephanou recalled that the mandate of every government in Cyprus lasts for five years and that the mandate of Christofias’ government expires on February 28, 2013.

Stephanou said that President Christofias thanked today Ministers for their excellent cooperation and the important work they fulfilled at their ministries, and as government, in an environment full of difficulties, particularly due to the financial crisis which made its work more difficult.

“We deem that very important work has been produced the value of which will become clear as years pass by,” he said, noting that certain decisions with an added value for Cyprus and our society were taken and implemented.

The presidential election will go to a second round on 24 February after right-wing Democratic Rally leader Nicos Anastasiades fell short of the 50% needed for an outright majority during the election held on February 17. Anastasiades secured 45.46% of the vote, while his rival at this Sunday`s elections AKEL-backed Stavros Malas 26.91%