Newsroom
Working parents in Cyprus’ public sector may soon get the option to trim their daily hours by up to two, under a new government push to make work and family life easier to juggle. The proposal, which also applies to caregivers, people with disabilities, and those with serious health issues, is set to go before the Council of Ministers by the end of May.
The move is part of a wider effort to modernize the public service and make it more responsive, fair, and family-friendly, President Nikos Christodoulides told the PASYDY union’s annual conference on Tuesday.
But the changes don’t stop there. A new civil servant evaluation system is being rolled out, aiming to reward performance instead of seniority, a shift the president called “long overdue.” Cyprus is also stepping into the digital era, offering citizens digital versions of their ID, driver's license, and more, plus an AI-powered assistant that answers social security questions online.
On the money front, Christodoulides promised tax reforms that focus on middle-class families, including a higher tax-free income threshold and new deductions based on household needs. These steps, he said, are designed to boost disposable income while keeping the economy stable.
The President also hinted at the bigger picture: Cyprus is preparing to take on the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, and a smarter, more efficient civil service is seen as key to delivering during that high-profile role.
“Modernizing the state is not just an option — it’s a necessity,” he said.
