Cyprus leaders raise concerns over school shortages and union threats

Burak Maviş, General Secretary of the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTÖS), has criticized the Ministry of Education and the government for failing to address rising issues in schools, including violence, peer bullying, and psychosocial risks. Maviş highlighted a critical shortage of guidance counselors, noting that in 110 schools under the Primary Education Department, a single counselor is responsible for approximately 850 students. He criticized the lack of scientific planning and called for increased recruitment of specialized staff to ensure school safety and student well-being.

Separately, Görkem Çelik, President of the Cyprus Turkish Union of Chambers of Engineers and Architects (KTMMOB), condemned death threats directed at Ahmet Tuğcu, President of the Cyprus Turkish Electricity Authority Workers' Union (EL-SEN). Çelik described the threats as an attack on organizational freedom and democratic representation. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and ensure the safety of union members, emphasizing that such intimidation undermines social peace and the rule of law.