The printing of ballots for the parliamentary elections on May 24 has begun, scheduled to be completed by May 14. The largest ballot is for Nicosia, featuring specified dimensions and printing design. Ballots are uniform for each electoral district and list the names of parties and candidates in alphabetical order. Voters can mark their preferences next to candidates, and different electoral districts have ballots of different colors to avoid confusion. Voters are advised to check that the ballots they receive correspond to their electoral district.
A farmer in Kofinou was arrested after attacking veterinary services officials. The officials went to his farm with the police to collect animal samples for foot-and-mouth disease checks. The farmer reacted violently and assaulted the officials. He was promptly arrested by the police and taken to the local station. There are no updates on any injuries from the incident.
54-year-old Costas Parasiris shows no remorse for the murder of 21-year-old Nikistratos in Crete. In his statements, he claimed he would shoot him again if he had more bullets. He argued that his actions were prompted by the lack of justice for his child's death, which dramatically changed his life. He describes his mental state as extremely poor, with no relief from the pain. The case has shocked public opinion.
Supporters of Metropolitan Tychikos sent a letter to the Holy Synod complaining about his canonical treatment. They claim that the ongoing judicial and ecclesiastical dispute threatens the unity of the Church of Cyprus. The supporters accuse Archbishop Georgios of arbitrary actions. They argue that the situation could lead to a schism if justice is not served. The letter calls on the Holy Synod to act swiftly for Tychikos' restoration.
The farmers are currently in a truce with the Ministry of Agriculture and have suspended their protest in Rizoleia. Despite their request for compensation of €35.6 million being met, the issue of animal culling remains unresolved. The president of the Farmers' Association pointed out that nothing has been agreed upon yet. The President of the Republic requested one week to study the issues raised. The Minister of Agriculture emphasized the importance of cooperation and dialogue to manage the livestock crisis.
The payments for child benefits and single-parent family benefits for 2026 will start on May 29. Those who received benefits in 2025 do not need to reapply. If there are any changes that affect their eligibility, applicants must update the Benefits Management Service through an online form. New applicants can submit their applications until December 31, 2026. For more information, they can visit the Service's website or contact via phone.
A doctor in Florida is accused of removing the wrong organ from a patient during surgery, resulting in the patient's death. The 44-year-old surgeon admitted he removed the liver instead of the spleen due to emotional distress. The patient experienced uncontrolled bleeding and subsequently died. The victim's family claims the doctor attempted to cover up his negligence. The doctor has already lost his medical license and faces second-degree murder charges.
Actor Mark Hamill sparked strong reactions with a social media post portraying Donald Trump dead in front of a grave. The White House responded sharply, calling Hamill 'sick' and suggesting such rhetoric could inspire violence. Following the backlash, Hamill deleted the post and apologized, clarifying that he did not wish for death. The incident has raised debates around political rhetoric and its implications. This situation highlights the stakes of public discourse on political subjects.
In the parliamentary elections on May 24, the percentage of female candidates is 29.7%. In contrast, male candidates make up 70.3%. Despite a record number of candidacies this year, women remain underrepresented. Political measures to increase women's presence in politics have not achieved the desired results. The Movement of Citizens for Cyprus has the highest number of female candidates, followed by other political parties.
The parliamentary elections on May 24 may cost more than initially budgeted due to increases in salaries for the 6,500 workers involved. The Ministry of the Interior had originally budgeted 5.7 million euros, but due to cuts, the Elections Service has only 5.4 million euros available. Additional funding has been requested from the Ministry of Finance to cover the shortfall. There will be 1,200 polling stations on election day, including some abroad. Workers will be compensated with fixed amounts for their hours worked.
The election period in Cyprus is nearing its end, focusing on voter engagement. Political parties are unveiling new proposals on issues such as health in an effort to capture public attention. For instance, DISY has presented specific plans to improve the General Health System and reduce healthcare costs. The candidate submission process highlights the intentions and strategies of the parties. The final week before the elections will be crucial for party organization and communication.
The government announced a new compensation package of €35.6 million for livestock farmers, which is 150% to 200% higher than European levels. The compensation includes immediate payments for deceased animals and income support for at least 12 months. Additionally, there will be a focus on replenishing the livestock with high genetic value animals and covering feeding costs. Farmers will receive guidance from specialized advisors for their recovery. The strategy aims for the complete restoration of the livestock sector.
Consumers in Cyprus are facing rising gasoline prices, with the average price reaching €1.56 per liter. Despite this increase, diesel and heating oil prices remain stable. International oil prices have fallen, with Brent dropping below $100 per barrel due to diplomatic developments. However, fuel prices are still significantly higher compared to before the outbreak of hostilities. Despite the current situation, Cyprus remains one of the more affordable countries in the EU regarding fuel prices.
An investor bought 94 plots of land in Troezena, with some areas selling for 1-2 euros per square meter. The investor plans to develop 150 acres into vineyards and create a winery. However, the approval for the building permit from the Environmental Department is still pending. Some of the old houses will be demolished and replaced with new buildings. The purchases were made 'piece by piece' since 2022 to avoid raising suspicion.
The police investigation into the 'Santis' case is nearing completion, with results expected from Europol and the FBI. Investigators will update the Police Chief and the minister, followed by a legal review of the findings. Notably, 'Santis' admitted to fabricating false messages, which has legal implications. Additionally, the Supreme Court approved a request from lawyer Nikos Kleridis, allowing him to challenge a search warrant issued earlier. The judges found that the police investigation lacked sufficient grounds and that there were violations of the defendant's rights.