Tensions rise over new teacher appointment system in Cyprus

The Cypriot Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth has scheduled a meeting for October 6, 2026, with the three main educational organizations—POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK—to present a revised proposal regarding the teacher appointment system. Minister Athena Michailidou emphasized that the reform is essential for the quality of public education and argued that dialogue should not serve as an excuse for stagnation. She further noted that the current list of appointees has been considered obsolete since 2015.

Despite the upcoming meeting, the three unions have officially confirmed their intent to proceed with a protest outside the Presidential Palace on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Representatives of the organizations expressed skepticism regarding the new proposal, citing a lack of timely planning and previous disagreements. They maintain that the current ministerial approach risks creating further complications in school staffing, and while they agreed to attend the meeting, they have warned that they are not optimistic about a resolution regarding their core concerns.