Less than 24 hours after announcing that parents’ names would be dropped from new biometric identity cards, the Cypriot government has reversed course following widespread criticism.
The Interior Ministry said on Friday that it will restore the names of the holder’s parents on future ID cards, effectively shelving a decision unveiled only a day earlier. Officials had originally cited data protection, modernisation of the ID system and alignment with European practices as reasons for the change.
After listening to concerns from citizens and political parties, the ministry concluded there were no security or international obligations preventing the return of the familiar details. It has instructed the company producing the new biometric cards to reinstate the previous format, which lists parents’ names exactly as they appear in the Population Register and birth certificate. The contractor is expected to confirm when the change can take effect.
The ministry has also asked the European Commission whether Cyprus could issue two versions of its ID cards — one with parents’ names and one without — so citizens could choose. Brussels indicated that EU rules do not prohibit dual versions but warned the approach is not encouraged, as it could complicate border checks and reduce uniformity. An initial response from the contractor suggests the option is technically feasible, and the ministry is exploring it further.
Anyone who has already received a new card without parents’ names will be able to replace it free of charge once the old format is restored.
The rapid U-turn underscores how even small details on an identity document can quickly become a national talking point.