Member of the European Parliament Fidias Panayiotou has attributed low student turnout at Tuesday’s Eleftheria Square protest against the mobile phone ban in schools to what he described as “systematic opposition” from authorities.
The MEP highlighted a message from the Ministry of Education warning parents about the consequences of unauthorised absences.
“The system operates through fear and intimidation,” Panayiotou wrote in a social media post, criticising schools for refusing to grant exit permits even to students with parental consent.
According to Panayiotou, the ministry’s message stated that leaving school without permission would be considered a serious offence, and participation in the protest would result in an unexcused absence with corresponding consequences.
The MEP praised the approximately 70 students who attended despite the warnings. “They stood up against all this to protest for what they believe in,” he said.
Panayiotou argued that coercive measures are counterproductive with young people, suggesting they typically result in opposition.
He also offered support to students who might face disciplinary action, inviting them to contact him directly.
“If you receive suspensions in the coming days, message me to see what I can do,” he told the protesters.
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