Cyprus Education Minister Expects Teacher Appointment Bill in Parliament by Early December

Nicosia, Cyprus. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said on Friday that a bill establishing a new system for appointing teachers should reach parliament by late November or early December. She stated that the government intends to proceed with the changes even though teachers’ unions object.

Response to the unions’ deadlock declaration

Michaelidou spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) after presenting the ministry’s 2027 budget to the House finance committee. She was asked about the unions’ statement that talks had hit a deadlock, their letter to President Nikos Christodoulides and the prospect of stronger industrial action. In reply, she called the unilateral declaration of a deadlock “somewhat problematic”.

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She said nothing changes on the matter, adding that the government has already shown readiness to help, support and meet demands on an issue that was settled 11 years ago, in 2015.

Criticism of the 2015 transition period

The minister criticised the long transition period under the 2015 legislation, which provided for scrapping the existing appointment list. She said the transition lasted almost 12 years and described that decision as criminal. According to her, many distortions arose during that time, and the government has acknowledged them.

Fair treatment for all candidates

Michaelidou said the government and the unions had agreed that teachers who worked during the transitional period must not be placed at a disadvantage, and that the government’s proposal reflects this. She stressed, however, that people who pass the appointment examinations, and those who will keep sitting them, must likewise be treated fairly.

Unresolved demand

The minister said the ministry had heard the concerns raised and had submitted an updated proposal, but one issue remains open. She said the demand for permanent appointments without examination conflicts with the law. In her view, the entire effort cannot be dismissed or undermined merely because some of the unions’ demands have not been met.