Proposal to introduce financial incentives for National Guard personnel in Cyprus

On October 22, 2026, Charalambos Petrides, a member of the DISY party, proposed new financial measures to strengthen the National Guard of Cyprus and improve the attractiveness of the military profession. During a session of the Parliamentary Defense Committee, Petrides suggested allowing officers to receive monetary compensation for performed duties as an alternative to the standard leave or time-off entitlements they currently accrue. He argued that this would provide a tangible incentive and better recognize the contributions of active personnel.

Furthermore, Petrides recommended a significant increase in the monthly allowance for military academy students, which is currently set at €152. He stated that this amount is insufficient given the rising cost of living. Additional proposals include reinstating past incentives, such as providing flight tickets to students. Petrides emphasized that national defense requires not only advanced weapon systems but also strong support for the human resources serving in the military. These measures aim to attract more young people to military academies and retain current staff within the ranks of the National Guard.