Authorities in Cyprus are mounting a significant security operation in anticipation of widespread vandalism and clashes on the night of December 13th, an informal date that has become synonymous with anti-police violence. Concurrently, the nation’s education sector faces potential disruption as a major teachers' union threatens to escalate industrial action over a contentious evaluation bill, creating a tense backdrop for the approaching winter.
The focus of police preparedness is an amorphous, youth-driven event lacking formal organization but known for escalating into serious disorder. In previous years, participants have engaged in acts of arson, vandalized public property and schools, and launched projectiles including stones and incendiary devices at law enforcement officers. The numeric slogan "1312," a coded anti-police message, is frequently associated with the night’s activities. Police anti-riot units are planning coordinated deployments across urban parks and public spaces, with a heightened presence expected to continue for several evenings.
Nikos Loizidis, representing the police union ISOTITA, issued a stark reminder of legal accountability, emphasizing the role of parental responsibility. "Parents who allow unsupervised participation in anti-police gatherings risk facing the implications of Cyprus’ parental-responsibility laws," he stated. This warning underscores a strategy to deter involvement by holding guardians financially and legally liable for damages caused by their children, many of whom are minors.
Meanwhile, a separate dispute is simmering within the education sector. The Cyprus Greek Teachers' Organisation (POED) has voiced strenuous opposition to a proposed teacher evaluation bill, particularly a provision that would task school assistant principals with conducting final assessments. POED President Myria Vasileiou argued that assistant principals are already overburdened, typically teaching for 23 hours weekly while managing administrative duties. Imposing additional evaluation responsibilities, she contends, would render their workload unmanageable and compromise the quality of both teaching and assessment.
Vasileiou confirmed that a strike decision was reached in June to allow time for dialogue, but warned of a potential escalation if the bill passes unchanged. "The strike is not an end in itself for POED," she clarified during a broadcast on SPOR FM, "[but for] efforts for a better public school." This positions the union for possible sustained action, which could disrupt schools across the country.
The convergence of these issues presents a multifaceted challenge for Cypriot authorities. On one front, they must contain a volatile night of disorder that poses risks to public safety and property. On another, they face the prospect of significant industrial unrest in the education system, driven by deep-seated professional grievances. The effectiveness of the police's deterrent strategy focusing on parental liability remains to be tested, while the government’s next steps on the education bill will determine whether a truce with teachers can be forged or a new front of conflict opened. The outcomes will resonate well beyond a single night in December.