Nicosia experienced significant disruption on Thursday, December 18th, as teachers launched a two-hour work stoppage and farmers initiated a tractor blockade. These coordinated actions by teacher unions OELMEK and POED, alongside agricultural organizations, represent a strong challenge to the government's reform agenda and its EU policy implementation. The dual protests were predicted to cause considerable inconvenience across the capital, affecting the start of the school day and worsening traffic congestion on major routes.
Teachers are protesting a controversial evaluation bill currently being debated in parliament. Critics believe this legislation could enable political favouritism within the education system, thereby compromising meritocracy and professional independence. The work stoppage, from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 9:00 a.m., aimed to clearly signal their strong opposition and apply pressure on lawmakers before an anticipated vote the following Monday. The potential impact on Cyprus's access to €60 million in EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funds, conditional on certain reforms including this evaluation framework, highlights the seriousness of the dispute.
Simultaneously, a large group of farmers converged on the capital, expressing deep dissatisfaction with current EU agricultural policies. Their primary concerns involve directives they deem "unacceptable," which they argue are driving local producers towards financial ruin. The farmers' demonstration featured a substantial convoy of tractors, travelling from various regions and moving heavy machinery through Nicosia's main streets. These agricultural vehicles were seen navigating avenues like Athalassa and Iosif Hadjiosif, with a planned gathering point near "Europe House" on Lord Byron Street, where their protest was expected to continue until their demands were met.
The immediate consequences for Nicosia residents' daily routines were substantial. Morning school bus services were entirely suspended, forcing parents to arrange alternative transport for their children. Kindergarten and primary school students were expected to arrive by 9:05 a.m., while gymnasium and lyceum students were to report by 9:00 a.m. Absences during the initial strike period were not to be included in attendance records. However, technical and vocational schools were scheduled to operate normally, and midday bus routes remained unaffected. Special schools received exemptions for their morning bus services.
The convergence of these protests predictably led to significant morning traffic jams throughout Nicosia. Traffic was anticipated to be especially challenging on the main roads entering the city and within the central districts. The Presidential Palace also became a focal point for some of the farmers' demonstrations. The police force was actively managing the situation, employing security measures and traffic control to minimize the impact of the disruption. The organised parents of primary education voiced their concerns, emphasizing the logistical difficulties faced by families. The anticipated paralysis in the capital underscores the potent effect of these collective actions on public life and the wider political environment.