Newsroom
Parliament was busy yesterday, approving two eye-catching moves: tighter rules on gun licenses and a major upgrade for the Cyprus Children’s Parliament. Both decisions reflect the government’s focus on safety and citizen participation, from adults to students.
First up, the lawmakers tightened rules on who can get a license for Category C8 firearms. Under the new law, anyone convicted of serious crimes or certain misdemeanors, including domestic violence, violence against women, and cannabis trafficking, will be blocked from applying for a license for ten years after their conviction and release.
The bill, backed by the Chief of Police, also removed a previous loophole that allowed the Justice Minister to shorten the waiting period for domestic violence convictions. Supporters say the change sends a clear message: serious offenses will have lasting consequences, and public safety comes first.
Meanwhile, the Children’s Parliament officially became an institutional partner of the state. The announcement came during the annual consultation at the Presidential Palace, where student representatives laid out their proposals on a range of issues, from school counseling and internet safety to civic education and youth participation in politics.
President Nikos Christodoulides praised the young lawmakers’ work, calling it “serious, responsible, and well-documented,” and said the government is taking steps to act on their recommendations. He highlighted plans to expand all-day schools, strengthen social welfare spending, and ensure students have more access to psychologists and social workers.
“This is about modernizing the state of 1960 and adapting it to the needs of 2025,” the president said. He also noted that reforms like automatic voter registration and allowing 17-year-olds to vote are part of a broader push to get citizens more engaged in democracy.
The Children’s Parliament memorandum will now go to the Council of Ministers for review, giving ministries a chance to respond to the students’ proposals.
Together, these two moves show a mix of caution and encouragement: tightening rules to protect citizens while giving the next generation a meaningful voice in government.
