Tensions escalate between Cypriot education ministry and teacher unions over appointment reforms

On October 6, 2026, the Cypriot Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, held a meeting with representatives of the POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK teacher unions to discuss an updated proposal for a new teacher appointment system. The core of the dispute involves the ministry's plan to establish a closed registry for existing staff, requiring future permanent positions to be contingent upon competitive examinations. Union leaders expressed strong skepticism and disappointment, characterizing the ministry's approach as a "communication trick" and criticizing the delayed presentation of the updated proposal.

Despite the meeting, the teacher unions confirmed that their scheduled protest outside the Presidential Palace on October 8 will proceed as planned, although they remain open to evaluating the new proposal. Minister Michaelidou defended the reform, stating it is necessary to modernize the system and improve educational quality, while noting that the government does not expect full consensus. She has given the unions a one-week deadline to provide written feedback on the updated proposal before further discussions conclude the legislative process.