5 Minute News

26 days ago

George Metzakis is reportedly the new CEO of Cyta, chosen by the board among five candidates through a transparent selection process. However, Cyta has neither confirmed nor denied this information. The decision awaits approval from the Council of Ministers. The position was announced following the departure of Andreas Neokleous, who left for professional reasons. Neokleous had been appointed as CEO in January 2019.

President Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran for a deal while announcing the arrest of the niece and granddaughter of Qasem Soleimani. The ultimatum expires on April 6, with threats of U.S. action against Iran. Meanwhile, the Bushehr nuclear power plant was bombed, and the war continues. The International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed concerns about the situation. Tensions remain high with significant international repercussions.

George Mylonakis denies having any meeting with Alexis Tsipras during his premiership. He is responding to reports claiming such a meeting took place and is considering legal action. The situation is linked to a post discussing political connections in Cyprus. All named parties have issued denials. Mylonakis emphasizes that he has no involvement in the matter.

Iran used a new anti-aircraft system to target a U.S. fighter jet. The Iranian military stated that it will definitely achieve full control over its airspace. This move comes as part of the country's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. The announcement was made through the country's state media. These developments may impact relations with the U.S.

The Supreme Court rejected an appeal from four citizens who claimed their rights were being violated due to unequal treatment in vehicle checks from the occupied territories. The decision upholds a previous ruling by the District Court that dismissed their lawsuit. The complainants, refugees since 1974, argued that Turkish Cypriots are not subject to the same checks. The Court found that the differences in procedures are justified and that the two groups of citizens do not share the same conditions. The ruling emphasizes that the principle of equality allows for distinctions based on objective criteria.

The investigation into the case continues with testimonies from key figures. Morphakis Solomonaidis filed a complaint against Makarios Drousiotis for falsely disseminating messages and submitted his phone for examination. Nikos Clerides testified for over five hours, as he possesses crucial elements in the case. Investigators hope to compare his evidence with that of Drousiotis. The analysis of the messages will determine their authenticity and their potential to serve as evidence.

Donald Trump stated that time is running out for Iran to reach an agreement, warning that only 48 hours remain. He expressed concern about the safety of an American pilot, while Iran is offering rewards for finding American pilots. The Iranian military reported that a new anti-aircraft system was used to target American aircraft. Despite the tense situation, Trump mentioned that he doesn't believe the downing of the aircraft will affect negotiations. Concerns for pilot safety remain high.

Makarios Drousiotis presented material to the authorities, but his information has not been confirmed as substantiated evidence. In his meeting with the police, he submitted an unsigned typed document, which cannot be used for the investigation of the case. The Minister of Justice emphasized that the police are awaiting more evidence to proceed with the procedures. Investigators are waiting for further actions from Drousiotis. Society demands that the case be clarified as soon as possible.

Nick Candy, a Cypriot-British real estate developer, achieved the world's most expensive residential sale, selling his family home in Chelsea for over $350 million. This sale occurred without any official marketing, highlighting the ongoing demand for ultra-high-value properties in London. Candy, along with his brother, has developed luxury homes like One Hyde Park. Data shows that sales over £50 million fell in 2025, making Candy's sale even more remarkable. He has also expanded his business activities to the Middle East.

Fuel prices in Cyprus have decreased after a rising trend, with diesel prices nearing €2 per liter. As of midnight, an 8.33 cent reduction in the excise tax provides some relief to consumers. However, international oil prices are rising due to geopolitical instability, impacting local prices. The Consumer Protection Service is monitoring the situation to ensure that reductions are applied uniformly. The tax reduction will remain in effect until June 2026.

Cyprus is currently facing strong dust from Africa, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a warning. Rain, thunderstorms, and snow are expected in higher mountain areas. Temperatures will range around 20 degrees at the coasts and 8 degrees in the mountains. Winds are expected to pick up later in the day. The atmosphere is predicted to gradually clear by the evening.

The recent book by Tom Wells reveals secret recordings of phone conversations by Henry Kissinger, related to significant events in U.S. foreign policy from 1969 to 1974. Particular focus is given to the conversations surrounding the events in Cyprus in 1974, including the coup and the invasion. The author analyzes Kissinger's diplomatic influence and the darker aspects of his personality. He is described as one of the most polarizing figures in American history. The book provides valuable insights for understanding American foreign policy and the historical events of that era.

Lawyer Ilias Stefanou discusses the necessity of calling Santi for testimony regarding serious allegations of pedophilia and monitoring. He emphasizes the need to examine all claims that may be linked to other testimonies or evidence. He also explains how leaked screenshots could serve as evidence, depending on the acceptance of the communication. He stresses the importance of assessing the authenticity of the evidence and its legality. Lastly, he points out that individuals who dispute the communication cannot claim violations of personal data.

The Minister of Labor announced a new support plan for the hotel sector, aimed at maintaining jobs amidst a decline in tourism due to international crises. The plan is optional for hotel owners and includes 12 main points. However, hoteliers expressed the desire for a higher subsidy and the inclusion of May in the support scheme. Stakeholders remain cautious and are waiting to see the results of the plan's implementation. The General Director of PASYXE expressed hope that this would be the first and last support plan.

A woman in Nicosia lives on just 150 euros a month, struggling to survive alongside her husband while facing serious health issues. Their daily life is filled with unpaid bills and anxiety about the future. Although she receives a special allowance of 800 euros, her rent is 650 euros, leaving them with very little for daily needs. The woman fights against bureaucracy and her health challenges, which complicate finding work. This situation leads them to feelings of hopelessness and desperation.

The government is tightening measures against foreigners applying for refugee status. Those who submit requests solely to delay their return to their home country may be detained in special facilities or prisons. The new measures allow for the detention of applicants for reasons of national security or public order. Detention will occur only after individual assessment and if no less restrictive measures are available. The bill for the 2026 refugee law is currently under discussion in the parliamentary internal committee.

The ExxonMobil – QatarEnergy consortium announced that the deposits 'Glaucus' and 'Pegasus' are now commercializable. Energy Minister Michalis Damianos stated that this is a significant step towards their exploitation. The deposits, totaling approximately 7 trillion cubic feet, are set to proceed to the next phase of development. The estimated timeline for their exploitation is around 2033. This development strengthens Cyprus’s energy portfolio.

The participation of young voters in the upcoming elections is low, with registration applications being about one-third less than in previous elections. The final electoral roll will be finalized after April 16. While registration numbers are low, actual participation will only be revealed on election day. The data indicates that young voters do not significantly alter the balance of the electoral body. Automatic registration for the electoral lists will be implemented in 2028.

Makarios Drousiotis released a lengthy note linking officials to organized crime and mentioned cases involving the rape of a minor. Lawyer Nikos Kliridis's statements regarding the texts he received from 'Santi' raise new questions about the delay in investigating the case. Kliridis stated he could have reported the messages in 2019, but did not clarify why the situation remained hidden for so long. He also mentioned the age of the alleged victim, which raises further doubts about the validity of the claims. The public discourse continues with strong concerns about impunity and lack of transparency.