Cyprus’ Parliament has rejected the government’s proposed “Regulation and Control of Lampratzia Law of 2025”, leaving the long-standing issue of Easter bonfires unresolved for yet another year. The bill fell with 28 votes against, 10 in favour and two abstentions, after a lengthy debate dominated by questions of enforceability and the balance between public safety and tradition.

The legislation sought to introduce a formal permit system for lampratzia bonfires, impose safety conditions and set heavy penalties for violations. However, MPs from across the political spectrum argued that the proposed framework was impractical, placed excessive responsibility on municipalities and parish committees, and clashed with existing laws that already ban open fires within city and village limits. Critics warned that it would create more confusion than clarity.

Supporters of the bill pointed to recent tragedies, including the death of a 25-year-old last year and dozens of fires linked to uncontrolled bonfires, arguing that regulation is essential to protect the public. Opponents countered that the custom, despite its problems, cannot be realistically policed under the proposed rules and that the state should focus on enforcing current laws rather than crafting a rigid new system.

Following the vote, the Ministry of Justice issued a sharply worded statement accusing certain parties of “evasion” and ignoring the concerns of municipalities, communities and the Church, all of which supported regulation. The Ministry insisted that the government had submitted a complete and workable framework and questioned who would bear responsibility if new incidents occur without a law in place.