Newsroom
Well... that didn't last long.
Just a day after Cyprus was preparing to say goodbye to parents' names on new biometric ID cards, the government has hit reverse.
The ministry has also asked the European Commission whether Cyprus could issue two different versions of its ID cards, one with parents' names and one without, allowing citizens to choose.
Following a wave of public criticism and political pressure, the Interior Ministry announced on Friday that it will restore parents' names on future identity cards, effectively shelving a decision that had only just been unveiled.
The ministry said the original move was based on data protection, modernizing the ID card system, and aligning Cyprus with European practices. But after listening to the concerns of citizens and political parties, it concluded there were no security or international obligations preventing the return of the familiar details.
The government has now instructed the company producing the new biometric IDs to bring back the previous format, which lists the names of the holder's parents exactly as they appear in the Population Register and birth certificate. The company is expected to confirm when the change can be implemented.
But that's not the end of the story.
The ministry has also asked the European Commission whether Cyprus could issue two different versions of its ID cards, one with parents' names and one without, allowing citizens to choose.
While Brussels said EU rules do not prohibit two versions, it warned that doing so is not encouraged, as it could complicate border checks and reduce uniformity. Even so, the Interior Ministry says it is exploring the option after receiving an initial indication from the contractor that it is technically possible.
For those who have already received one of the new ID cards without their parents' names, there's more good news. Once the old format is restored, they will be able to replace their card free of charge if they want their parents' details added.
In other words, after a whirlwind 24 hours of debate, Cyprus' ID card saga has taken another unexpected turn—proving once again that even the smallest details on an identity card can become a national talking point.
