The new school year had barely begun when the Ministry of Education and teachers’ unions found themselves in a head-on clash over the new hiring system.

In fact, the teachers’ unions are stepping up the pressure by announcing their first joint protest on October 8 outside the Presidential Palace. They accuse the ministry of stalling on initiating the debate and submitting the relevant proposal.

ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ

08.10.2026 17:37

“No to job insecurity”: Teachers protest outside the presidential palace; conflict with the ministry of education reaches a head (PHOTO)

08.10.2026 13:12

Haris Papatheocharous: A photo with his wife from 2015

“We’ve reached the eleventh hour—not the eleventh minute—to pass a bill when, once again, we’re working against a tight deadline, once again under coercive claims that you must vote for it because in September we won’t have any teachers, and so on.” ^{Konstantinos Konstantinou, President of OELMEK}

“We do not want to leave all these colleagues trapped in uncertainty about their professional future, and many of them may even lose their jobs.” ^{Panagiotis Lysandrou, President of OLTEK}

POED expressed a clear position in favor of maintaining the list of appointees, despite the fact that the legislation passed in 2015 provides for its abolition.

“We’re not saying abolish the exams—that’s not what we’re saying. But on the other hand, you can’t abolish a list that has been proven to provide, support, and staff public schools.” ^{Myra Vassiliou, President of POED}

Annoyed by the stance of the teachers’ organizations, the Minister of Education—as she stated on Alpha TV—noted that an effort at dialogue was underway.

“And it also reflects, if you will, an attitude that whatever happens in the dialogue, we will take action. I believe they should wait for the updated proposal so we can discuss that as well. The Ministry remains open to discussion and dialogue.” ^{Athina Michaelidou, Minister of Education}

She made it clear that maintaining the list of candidates for appointment is outdated and that the organizations’ request for the automatic permanent appointment of contract teachers cannot be accepted.

“We are taking all those who are currently in the system and creating a closed registry from which we will appoint staff. Only from there. But we won’t be granting permanent status. It’s illegal to grant permanent status directly.” ^{Athina Michailidou, Minister of Education}

The minister’s updated proposal will be submitted to teachers’ organizations within the next few days, and the goal is for it to reach Parliament as soon as possible.

See Eleni Michael’s report