Cyprus parliament replaces Independent Social Support Body with State Scholarship Foundation

The Plenary of the House of Representatives in Cyprus rejected two government bills concerning the Independent Social Support Body. The first bill proposed dissolving the body and transferring its assets to the Consolidated Fund, while the second aimed to modify student welfare legislation to centralize aid through the Treasury. These government proposals were rejected with 10 votes in favor, 36 against, and two abstentions. Instead, the parliament approved a legislative proposal presented by Stefanos Stefanou (AKEL), Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis (DISY), and Alexandra Attalidou. This successful proposal mandates the abolition of the Independent Social Support Body and the transfer of all its responsibilities and assets to the Cyprus State Scholarship Foundation. Supporters of this move argue that the Foundation is better equipped to manage the assets for social and educational support for youth. The vote for the successful proposal was 26 in favor and 21 against, reflecting varying support across different political parties including AKEL, DISY, and independent members.