Disabled people protest against welfare legislative reforms in Cyprus

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Cyprus Blind Association organized a protest outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. The organization opposes new legislation submitted to the House of Representatives regarding disability benefits. They claim that existing provisions for blind citizens are being omitted from the new bill, threatening their access to subsidies and associated benefits. These associated benefits include services from the Electricity Authority, CYTA, the Ministry of Education, and local government bodies. The Ministry of Social Welfare acknowledges that the transition has created uncertainty, noting that approximately 120 applications from blind individuals have been pending for over six months. While the Association claims the new law abolishes current rights, the Ministry argues that the transition is necessary for administrative reform. The protesters are demanding that the government maintain the existing support framework to prevent a decline in living standards.