Nicosia, Cyprus. The government said it is preparing legislation to transfer responsibilities from a controversial social support body for needy students to the finance ministry’s grants and benefits service. The move was confirmed on Wednesday as discussion continued in the House institutions committee.
Background and recent allegations
The social support body for needy students was established in 2014 and initially operated under the patronage of former first lady Andri Anastasiades, before responsibility passed to Philippa Karsera Christodoulides after her husband’s election.
On January 8, a video was released alleging that cash contributions to the body were used to sidestep campaign finance rules and gain influence with the state.
Following the video’s publication, Karsera stepped down from her position, while the president had previously said he was considering the organisation’s complete abolition.
Government position and transition plans
Appearing before the House institutions committee, a ministerial representative said the government considers “the agency’s lifecycle complete” and is working on a bill to relocate its functions to the state’s existing allowances and student welfare mechanisms.
The representative said transitional provisions would be included to ensure that no beneficiaries lose support during the changeover.
Competing legislative proposals
Two legislative proposals were discussed in parallel.
One, submitted by Akel and co-signed by Disy MP Kyriakos Hadiyiannis and independent MP Alexandra Attalides, calls for the agency’s outright abolition within a defined transition period.
The second, tabled by Disy MP Nikos Georgiou and supported by Edek MP Kostis Efstathiou, would retain the agency while overhauling its governance framework.
Presenting his proposal, Georgiou said the bill respected institutional norms and a recent court ruling that found the previous legal framework unconstitutional.
Which approach do you think would best ensure support continues for needy students during the transition?