Public protest against electricity costs held in Nicosia

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, a protest movement organized by "Direct Democracy" took place in Nicosia, Cyprus, to express public discontent over the high cost of electricity. Demonstrators gathered at Eleftheria Square at 16:00 and conducted a march toward the Presidential Palace, where they planned to submit a formal memorandum of demands to President Nikos Christodoulides at 17:00.

The demonstration received support from several political organizations, including AKEL, the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens' Cooperation, the Party for the Animals, and the Pancyprian Association of Low-Income Pensioners. Participants emphasized that rising energy prices have become an urgent daily burden for both households and businesses across the country.

Police forces were deployed along the route to manage traffic and ensure public safety. Authorities cited the Public Assemblies and Parades Law 151(I) of 2025, which requires organizers to maintain a peaceful environment and cooperate with designated police officers. Under this legislation, police retain the authority to impose restrictions or disperse crowds if safety is compromised, though the event proceeded as a planned manifestation of civic grievances.