People with disabilities protest against new legislation in Cyprus

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, dozens of individuals with disabilities held a demonstration outside the Presidential Palace in Cyprus to protest against proposed changes to disability benefits. Organised by the Pancyprian Organisation of the Blind and supported by groups representing the deaf and those with mobility impairments, participants expressed concern that the new legislation removes existing grants and replaces them with less transparent allowances. Christakis Nikolaides, president of the blind organisation, argued that the reforms shift focus from direct financial support to a model based on personal assistants, which he claims will negatively impact recipients. Protesters also stated that the loss of the specific blindness grant could trigger the disqualification of associated benefits from agencies like the electricity authority, telecommunications provider, and local government. The government’s Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has acknowledged delays in processing over 120 pending applications from blind individuals. While protesters call the government's approach exclusionary and inadequate, the state maintains the shift is part of broader policy reform. Organizers have submitted a memorandum to the President and warned that they may escalate the issue to international courts if the legislation is passed without adjustments.