Cyprus is facing a double wave of social mobilizations today, impacting key areas of public life. Teachers and farmers are taking to the streets, protesting policies and reforms they say threaten their professional status and the sustainability of their sectors. From early morning, a two-hour work strike in public schools is disrupting the daily routine for thousands of families, while farmers from various districts are gathering tractors and forces in Nicosia, sending a strong message of opposition to changes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). These actions highlight growing social pressure and open a new round of confrontation with the government, united by demands for meaningful dialogue and revisions to critical decisions.
Dispute over evaluation bill
Teachers in public schools across Cyprus are staging a two-hour work strike today, causing disruption to the morning school operations. The action, from 07:30 to around 09:00–09:05 a.m., affects the start of the school day and is a coordinated effort by POED and OELMEK, with technical schools operating normally as OLTEK is not participating.
The main reason for the stoppage is the strong disagreement of the teachers’ unions with the evaluation of educational work bill currently before Parliament. The organizations argue that key provisions have not been agreed upon through social dialogue and demand substantial amendments to the proposed system.
Impact on students and families
The mobilization affects around 310,000 students in kindergartens, primary schools, gymnasiums, and lyceums, creating increased organizational challenges for parents and guardians, especially regarding child transportation. Organized parents express concern, noting that the strike measures primarily harm students.
Education Ministry measures and guidelines
The Education Ministry has announced special arrangements for today, with variations in student transportation and attendance. In most schools, parents are responsible for morning drop-offs, while afternoon bus routes will run as normal. Absences in secondary education will be recorded but not counted.
Teachers’ unions positions and warnings
POED and OELMEK describe the work strike as a warning measure, stressing they do not reject evaluation but seek a fair, objective, and formative system linked to training and school support. They also leave open the possibility of escalating actions if the bill proceeds without changes.
Farmers’ mobilization – CAP protest
At the same time, farmers from various areas of Cyprus are holding a mass mobilization in Nicosia, protesting changes to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. With a tractor march to the House of Europe, producers frame their protest in a pan-European context, demanding policies that ensure sustainable income and the survival of the primary sector.
Demands and government stance
Farmers are calling for maintained funding, reduced bureaucracy, and guaranteed product prices, while the government reiterates its commitment to supporting the sector and calls for dialogue within the CAP 2023–2027 framework.
Also read: MEPs back “My Voice, My Choice” abortion access initiative
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for the latest updates.
