Student protests and parliamentary scrutiny over school infrastructure in Cyprus

Cypriot secondary school students held a protest on September 16, 2026, during the fourth teaching period to demand better infrastructure, specifically citing delays in air conditioning installation, issues with school uniforms, and curriculum concerns. The Pan-Cyprian Student Co-ordinating Committee (PSEM) stated that initial government promises for full air conditioning coverage by September 2026 have not been met, with some sources noting delays potentially pushing completion to 2028. Students also requested a standardized policy for summer uniforms, as current rules vary by school.

Simultaneously, the Parliamentary Education Committee has intensified its scrutiny of the Ministry of Education. Chairman Chrysanthos Savvides and other MPs criticized the delays in both air conditioning installations and the timely distribution of textbooks. The Ministry of Education, represented by Dr. George Koutsides, claimed that the 2027 budget will include provisions for doubled textbook printing. Meanwhile, the Audit Office is preparing a report on the air conditioning project, covering 209 schools, which reportedly contains significant findings regarding the Ministry's performance.

While the government acknowledges the political will to modernize schools, experts from ETEK have suggested prioritizing passive cooling measures over mechanical air conditioning. The Audit Office report is expected to be released in approximately two weeks, pending final responses from the Ministry.