Students protested outside parliament on Wednesday as lawmakers debated the budget, decrying cuts to education funding and rising living costs.
Dozens of young people gathered with banners reading “Expenses rise while grants decrease” during the plenary session discussing the national budget.
The left-wing Proodeftiki student movement condemned new cuts of 3 million euros to student grants for the coming year, following discussions in parliament’s Finance Committee. The group claims total cuts have reached 27 million euros over 12 years, with inflation eroding another 12 million euros in purchasing power.
The protesters also highlighted concerns about the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation. The foundation’s president has warned it may have to stop providing scholarships without additional support, after four years of rejected requests for a 1.6 million euro budget increase from the Ministry.
Police temporarily closed Nehru Street in front of parliament due to the protest, advising drivers to follow police instructions and exercise caution in the area.
“These cuts are crushing our dreams,” protesters chanted, demanding increased support for students as living costs continue to rise.
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