Cypriot teachers plan protest over proposed appointment reforms

Cypriot teachers' unions, including POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK, have confirmed their decision to proceed with a protest outside the presidential palace on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The demonstration serves as a response to the latest appointment reform proposal submitted by Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, which the unions argue fails to address the job insecurity of thousands of educators. The unions specifically object to the creation of a "closed registry," which they contend would lead to temporary appointments without clear paths to permanent status, perpetuating a cycle of uncertainty for experienced staff.

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou has defended the government’s updated proposal, describing it as fair and balanced while noting that the Ministry is still in the consultation phase. She emphasized that automatic permanent status is not permitted in the public sector and expressed concerns that the unions might be seeking exclusive hiring privileges for their members. While the Minister invited written feedback on the proposal within a week, the unions maintain that the current text necessitates collective action rather than further administrative discussion. The standoff continues as both sides remain firm in their opposing positions regarding the future of the public education workforce.