Educational organizations demand reform of the teacher appointment system

The educational organizations POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK held a joint meeting to address the future of the teacher appointment system. They collectively demanded that the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (YPAN) submit its formal written proposals for legal amendments immediately. The organizations emphasize the need to ensure continuous staffing of public schools after 2027 and fair treatment for all educators, regardless of their current list status. They expressed strong concern over the ministry's delays and vague public statements, which they claim cause uncertainty for hundreds of teachers. The unions declared they will not accept the victimization of any members. While the Minister of Education, Athena Michaelidou, has stated the 'list of appointees' must be abolished by 2027 as per legislation passed ten years ago, the unions argue that the current legal framework requires urgent modification to prevent staffing failures. Reports suggest the ministry is considering a closed list for existing staff, provided they pass new examinations, a proposal the unions resist as it undermines the security of long-serving employees.