Teacher union rejects new recruitment system proposal in Cyprus

The OELMEK teachers' union has formally rejected the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth's revised proposal regarding the teacher recruitment system in Cyprus. Following a review of the document dated October 6, 2026, the union submitted a multi-page letter to Minister Athena Michaelidou detailing 29 specific questions and concerns. The organization argues that the proposal contains significant gaps and ambiguities, failing to provide adequate guarantees for currently serving teachers or those who have already passed the required civil service exams.

The core of the conflict centers on the permanent status of educators and the management of the closed teacher registry. Despite a series of meetings between Minister Michaelidou and educational unions, including OELMEK and OLTEK, the impasse remains. The Ministry maintains that its "red line" regarding the permanent appointment of teachers without exams cannot be altered. Following the conclusion of this final round of discussions, the Ministry plans to consult with the Legal Service to assess potential adjustments before submitting the bill for public consultation, review by the Council of Ministers, and eventual parliamentary debate.