Cypriot businessman Nick Candy sold a mansion in London for 309 million euros, setting a new global record. This mansion is the most expensive single-family home ever sold. It sits on an 8-acre lot and includes a private lake and large swimming pool. The sale attracted many potential buyers, even though the property was never officially on the market. Nick and his brother have a strong reputation in real estate, noted for projects like One Hyde Park.
The Court of Appeals partially overturns the decision regarding a workplace accident at the Levendi Gallery. The incident occurred in 2015 when a false ceiling panel fell and injured an employee. Initially, the first-instance court imposed fines, but the Appeals Court found errors in the process and ruled that there was insufficient evidence of safety failures. Furthermore, the decision highlighted that measures taken after the incident cannot be used to demonstrate negligence. The Appeals Court confirmed that inspections were conducted and experts were called before the incident.
The Larnaca District Court ruled to grant €53,000 in compensation to property owners whose land was expropriated, despite an initial offer of only €50. The expropriation involved 806 sq.m. of their land for the creation of an Industrial and Energy Area. The judge accepted the findings of a private appraiser who questioned the valuation from the Land Registry. The court rejected the Land Registry's assessment as inaccurate and misleading.
Dinos Pastos questions the authenticity of the evidence presented by Makarios Drousiotis regarding money transfers to a joint account. He points out that the evidence is poorly fabricated and sourced from the internet. Mr. Pastos argues that the so-called proof does not substantiate anything and shows significant flaws. He suggests that if someone provided these details to Drousiotis, they are exposing him publicly. The allegations involve monetary transfers and handwritten notes.
Makarios Drousiotis did not provide the information he possesses to the Police Headquarters and requested more time to decide. In contrast, Christodoulou and Papadakis filed complaints against him for his allegations. The police deny reports of a meeting between Drousiotis and senior officials. The investigation continues, and the detectives are waiting for more information. The President of the Republic is continuously updated on the developments.
Dimitris Papadakis visited the Nicosia Police Department to file a complaint against Makarios Drousiotis for publishing false news and circulating forged documents. Papadakis claims that Drousiotis posted false statements regarding alleged exchanges of messages between him and a third party. These posts were made through Drousiotis's personal social media accounts. Papadakis is requesting the police to investigate the authenticity of these messages. The case has attracted public attention due to the serious nature of the allegations.
The Citizens' Democracy party in Cyprus announced two new candidates for the parliamentary elections. Valerie Tarapai and Alfredos Alfredou have withdrawn voluntarily, and their positions are taken by Kyriakos Komodromos and Savvas Ellinas. Kyriakos Komodromos is the first runner-up from Kyrenia, while Savvas Ellinas is the second runner-up from Paphos. The first runner-up from Paphos declined to participate, so the second runner-up was given the opportunity. This process shows the party's adaptability.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus is installing smart meters across Cyprus throughout April. This process requires brief power outages, expected to last no more than 20 minutes. Work will take place in various areas of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos to modernize the electrical network. The EAC urges the public to understand the necessity of these outages. These installations are part of a broader program aimed at improving electricity services.
The case surrounding Makarios Drousiotis's postings continues to develop, with Christos Kliridis confirming the receipt of evidence related to the case during his presidency of the Cyprus Bar Association. Despite serious allegations involving judges and bribery, the report was not filed with the police due to safety concerns. Kliridis emphasized the importance of investigating the case and ensuring witness protection. Additionally, he expressed concerns that the case might be covered up. He urged the government to take action and appoint independent investigators.
Sandi was smuggled to a European country with embassy assistance for her protection after making allegations. Her lawyer, Nikos Kliridis, stated that Sandi provided him with evidence, including sms and photos regarding grave allegations of rape from the age of 13. The case involves political figures, and a DNA test should be conducted to validate her claims. There are also reports of pressure she faced while abroad. Kliridis asserts that the evidence he received is serious and requires investigation.
Lawyer Christos Triantafyllidis suggests that the Republic of Cyprus should appeal to an international criminal court regarding the allegations made by Makarios Droushiotis. He emphasizes the need for the case to be investigated by independent foreign investigators. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris stated that all possibilities are on the table but stressed the importance of the institutions handling the investigation. Droushiotis' allegations involve an organized network with international illegal activities. The government will decide on the next steps for the case.
Significant changes are taking place in the Civil Defense and the Presidency of the Republic. Colonel Theodoros Lemonati has been appointed as the Deputy Commander of Civil Defense, replacing Maria Papa. This change follows criticisms regarding the state of civil defense shelters. Concurrently, two General Directors from various ministries are being seconded to the Presidency for special tasks. Andreas Grigoriou has been held responsible for a deadly fire due to his absence during the relevant period.
Rapid developments are occurring regarding the case of Makarios Drousiotis involving corruption allegations. Dimitris Papadakis announced that he will provide his testimony to the Police and publish it afterward. He stated that he wants the truth to come to light and any potential conspiracy to be revealed. Additionally, he will hand over his phone to the Police for inspection. His candidacy with the Alama party is a secondary concern for him at this moment.
Cyprus is facing a severe dust episode, with high levels expected to last until Saturday afternoon. The director of the Meteorology Department, Philippos Tympios, mentioned that this is one of the strongest dust events in the last decade. He advised caution for citizens, especially vulnerable groups. The situation is linked to weather phenomena from neighboring Greece. Rain is expected next week to improve air quality.
The reduction of fuel prices by 8.33 cents per liter is expected to have little impact on consumers as price increases will offset it. Since the onset of military conflicts, gasoline and diesel prices have risen significantly. The Parliament approved a decrease in the special consumption tax, effective from Saturday, April 4. The fiscal cost of the measure is estimated at €18.6 million. MPs have voiced concerns over potential price hikes due to delays in implementing these measures.
Makarios Drousiotis has published new information regarding an envelope containing 250,000 euros allegedly sent by former judge Michalis Christodoulou to Sandis. He also claims that the two have been maintaining a joint bank account since 2019. Christodoulou stated that he met Sandis in 2020. Drousiotis intends to present the information to the Police. Attempts to reach Christodoulou for comment were unsuccessful.
At the Limassol Criminal Court, a convicted individual attacked a representative of the prosecution after his sentence was announced. The assailant violently lashed out upon learning he would serve four years in prison for abduction. Despite the presence of police, the attack was not prevented in time. The prosecution representative suffered facial injuries and was taken to the hospital. The incident caused shock and outrage.
Iran maintains significant military capabilities despite attacks from the United States and Israel in recent weeks. Approximately 50% of missile launchers and thousands of drones remain operational. Assessments from U.S. intelligence agencies indicate that Iran is capable of causing chaos in the region. However, this picture contrasts with public statements from the U.S. government suggesting that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly reduced. Furthermore, the attacks have resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian officials.
A strong wave of African dust has affected Cyprus, forcing many students and educators to remain indoors. The Ministry of Education issued a circular with health protection guidelines, including a ban on outdoor activities. Classrooms should keep windows closed. This situation occurs on the last day before the Easter holidays. Special attention is being given to individuals with respiratory issues.
Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris emphasizes that the case concerning Makarios Drousiotis's accusations needs to be clarified promptly. The police have appointed a team to investigate the evidence that Drousiotis will present. The Minister stresses the need to improve the institutions rather than replacing them with foreign experts. Despite the pre-election period, he assures that the investigation will be conducted quickly and reliably. The final decision on the case's direction will be made by the Cabinet after the investigation is completed.
Santi, through her lawyer Nikos Kliridis, states that she does not wish to testify or reveal her identity regarding the allegations made by Makarios Drousiotis. Kliridis noted that the claims were publicized without Santi's consent and that she never asked to disclose information. He advised Santi to report to the authorities, but she remained firm in her refusal. The information that has come to light relates to former Judge Michalakis Christodoulou. The situation continues to evolve as authorities investigate the case.
Donald Trump stated that the U.S. military has not yet destroyed what remains in Iran and that the new leadership knows what must be done quickly. He characterized the destruction of a bridge in Iran as part of strikes against energy infrastructures. The Iranian Foreign Minister condemned the attack, stressing that it will not compel Iranians to surrender. Instead, he argued that such attacks reflect the moral collapse of the Americans. He also raised questions about whether the U.S. wants to turn back time.
The occupying regime is attempting to blame the Cypriot government through religious issues. They organized a pilgrimage to the Halal Sultan Tekke mosque to create negative perceptions. The government clarified that Turkish Cypriots can visit places of worship without restrictions. The request from the Turkish authorities related to Turkish settlers who do not have crossing rights, not to Turkish Cypriots. The lack of dialogue and cooperation is worsening the situation.
The relevant Data Protection Commissioner approved a temporary extension of the data retention period for school surveillance cameras to ten days. This decision is effective only during the Easter period due to increased vandalism incidents. Young people often cause damage to school facilities during the holidays. School Boards are being informed about the new regulation to notify the companies that installed the systems. Additionally, school principals must promptly notify the police of any irregularities.
The attempt to amend the Constitution regarding phone call surveillance has failed due to a lack of sufficient votes. The Legal Committee decided to refer the matter to the new Parliament. Among the proposals considered, none gained the consensus of the MPs. As a result, the Police and the Intelligence Service no longer have the ability to conduct phone surveillance. This leaves Cyprus as the only country in Europe without this tool against organized crime.
The new tourist season begins with uncertainty in the hotel sector as the government's wage subsidy plan was not communicated as expected. Hoteliers and unions express concern over the lack of information regarding the 30% wage subsidy until April 2026. There is pressure for an increase in the subsidy and demands for equal treatment of EU and Cypriot workers. The Finance Minister stated that measures for tourism are expected soon. The situation remains critical for businesses in the sector.
The Parliament voted yesterday to establish the National Ambulance Authority, aiming to improve patient service. The new authority will handle patient transport and ease the burden on state ambulances, which will focus on emergencies. The transition is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026. OKYPY, which currently manages the ambulance service temporarily, has requested compensation for its investments. The National Authority will be responsible for organizing and supervising the related services.
Makarios Drousiotis sparked a significant political controversy with his statements, just weeks before the parliamentary elections. DISY attacked AKEL, Almas, and Volt, accusing them of causing destabilization. AKEL responded by saying that DISY's leadership is panicking and called for an investigation into the allegations. Political tensions have risen, with party lines clearly drawn as elections approach. These disputes are expected to continue leading up to the election process.
The investigative process regarding the case of researcher Makarios Drousiotis is ongoing, with him set to give testimony to the police. Drousiotis claims to have evidence of an organized network involving officials. Former MEP Dimitris Papadakis and former Judge Michalakis Christodoulou are also expected to testify. Drousiotis states he has additional evidence that has not yet been published. All involved parties appear to be cooperating with the authorities.