In Nicosia, a 48-year-old man was seriously injured in a work accident. He fell from the second floor of a construction site while working. He was taken to Nicosia General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage. His health condition is considered serious, according to doctors. The police and the Labor Inspection Office are conducting investigations.
The Ministry of Education issued guidelines for parents ahead of the 24-hour strike by School Boards staff on Thursday, September 17. Parents of children who are supported by school aides are advised to keep their children at home that day. The strike will significantly affect the operation of schools and support services. Absences for students on that day will not be counted. The Ministry emphasizes that the safety and well-being of the children is the top priority.
The Ministry of Finance is appealing to the unions to reconsider their strike and return to negotiations. It claims that the proposed 8% salary increase for Hourly Government Employees would cost over €300 million annually for the public sector, which is considered financially unsustainable. The ministry emphasizes the need to maintain emergency services during the strike. It notes that it has addressed most union requests, but salary increases should be agreed upon through a Framework Agreement. Additionally, programs have been introduced to improve the pay situation for hourly workers.
The Democratic Party's Secretariat met with President Christodoulides to discuss political matters and the upcoming presidential elections. The meeting was conducted in a positive atmosphere, aiming to strengthen collaboration and coordination. Both parties agreed to hold regular meetings and establish a communication group for better cooperation. The discussion about the presidential elections was identified as important, stressing the need to avoid premature candidacy discussions. Further conversations will take place within the party, where final decisions will be made.
A section of Tseriou Road will be closed for three days due to construction work from September 17 to 19, 2026. The Municipality of Strovolos has informed the public and provided alternative routes through Charalampos Pettemeridis and Patriarch Gregoriou Streets. Drivers are encouraged to follow the road signs in place. Measures have been taken to minimize inconvenience for road users. For more information, the public can contact the municipality.
The plans for the new prisons are changing, with the area of Mathiatis being rejected. Instead, state land in Agios Sozomenos has been chosen, primarily due to cost and local residents' objections. The decision was made during a Justice Ministry meeting, where technical and financial parameters were evaluated. The new location offers advantages due to pre-existing infrastructure in the area. The ministry assured that the processes are moving forward without delays for the completion of the project.
The dispute between the Attorney General, Giorgos Savvidis, and the Anti-Corruption Authority continues regarding the "black van" case. The Attorney General argues that the instructions he received were clear and did not include references to the Assistant Attorney General. He expresses confusion over how the Authority reached conclusions about 2023 allegations. Additionally, he points out that their previous correspondence did not mention an investigation into the Assistant Attorney General. This situation raises concerns about the credibility of the institutions.
New details about Stylianos Konstantinou's relationship with his parents are revealed through a teacher's testimony. Stylianos reportedly stated that he would kill his father if he made his mother cry again. These statements relate to his behavior, indicating he was affected by negative experiences. The teacher also mentioned that his classmates isolated him due to his poor hygiene, leading to his social exclusion. Stylianos's situation appears to have serious implications for his life.
A car theft occurred in Chloraka when a thief entered the vehicle of a 30-year-old owner who was sitting nearby. Despite the owner's proximity, the thief started the car and disappeared. A chase ensued involving the owner and police, marked by dangerous maneuvers. Ultimately, the vehicle crashed, and the thief was arrested. It was found that he is known to authorities for similar crimes.
The 'Digital Citizen' is being upgraded with a new program valued at €9.7 million from the Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy. The updates include the ability to create certified copies of digital documents and electronic consent for data sharing. The application will include more official documents such as the refugee identity card and disability card. The goal is to facilitate transactions with the state and private entities. The new version is expected to be available by 2027.
Andreas Theodosiou, president of the Association of Unaccompanied Refugee Children, revealed plans for the creation of a new Cyprus at Grammatikos, where the Helios airplane tragedy occurred. He mentioned that many children were transported to Greece after the Turkish invasion, often without their parents. Official records document 2,000 children, but unofficial estimates suggest over 5,000. There are delays in accessing files that could confirm these figures. Theodosiou seeks to document the historical truths of that period.
A 41-year-old Greek Cypriot was arrested at the archaeological site of Kouklias while digging illegally. He was found with a pickaxe and a metal detector in his possession. The police located him following a tip-off about suspicious activity in the area. The man was charged with illegal excavation and possession of a metal detector without a permit. His case will be heard in a future trial.
Kostis Efstathiou has left open the possibility of seeking a position in the leadership of EDEK in the upcoming elections. He expressed satisfaction with the new leadership's decision to lift all dismissals unconditionally. He emphasized that he has not left the party and still sees himself as an active member. Efstathiou intends to engage in party activities in Latsia and will decide on his next steps in the future. These developments follow statements from Dimitris Papadakis, who also showed interest in returning to the party.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of George Mazonakis, focusing on warnings from a machine used in the plasmapheresis treatment. The machine registered four alerts regarding issues with Mazonakis's vital signs, which were not correctly assessed by the untrained doctor. There is also suspicion that an incorrect dose of adrenaline was administered, which may have affected the singer's condition. Additionally, photos and videos captured during the treatment are being examined. The investigation is ongoing to clarify the circumstances of his death.
The Independent Authority Against Corruption responds to statements made by the Attorney General regarding the 'Black Van' case. It emphasizes that its investigation will cover all aspects of the case, including the Assistant Attorney General, who left the meeting when it became clear he could be involved. The Authority clarifies that the Attorney General's communication might have created the impression that some inquiries had already been completed. The Authority's statement reflects its commitment to transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
A new piece of information has reached the Ministry of Health, reopening a case concerning a medical center previously investigated for illegal medical practices. The complaints are related to controversial methods being applied for non-medical reasons. The center operates under a different name but is the same one that had previously attracted the authorities' attention. A recent tragic event, such as the death of George Mazonakis, has sparked public discussion about these practices. An official update is expected from the Ministry of Health later today.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of George Mazanakis, with two doctors set to testify today before the investigator. The charge against them has been upgraded to manslaughter with intent. Key evidence is emerging from the analysis of digital traces, focusing on critical moments in the clinic and the delay in calling for an ambulance. The investigation examines how long the singer stayed in the clinic and the doctors' response to alerts from the medical machine. A paramedic's testimony is expected to be crucial to the proceedings.
A 60-year-old man in Britain admitted to drugging and raping his wife since 2004. His actions spanned at least 20 years until his arrest last October. Additionally, twelve other men aged between 28 and 74 are linked to the case, all of whom deny the charges against them. Police official Rick Jackson stated that specialized support is being provided to the victim involved in this serious case.
Children are returning to school, and pediatricians are warning about increased cases of staphylococcus. It’s vital for parents to watch for symptoms and maintain proper hygiene. Transmission primarily occurs through direct contact or contaminated objects. If a child shows rashes, pus, or sudden symptoms, parents should consult a pediatrician promptly. Prevention includes simple daily habits to help keep children healthy.
The Christodoulides government is preparing the 2027 budget, which aims to ensure economic stability amidst geopolitical challenges. The new budget will be presented to the Cabinet and is expected to have a surplus, focusing on development and resilience of the economy. Total government income and expenditure are projected to reach €16.9 billion by 2027. Additionally, public debt is anticipated to decrease to 46.8% of GDP. Economic growth is estimated at 2.9%, with stability in inflation and unemployment.
The discussion about the new public sector recruitment system is still unclear, with many key details remaining open. The number of examinations and evaluation processes are questions that have not been answered. The chair of the Public Service Committee mentioned that a transitional period until 2027 will be needed for the implementation of the new system. Candidates will apply based on available positions and will know the exam content in advance. There are concerns regarding the number of examinations that may be required for each candidate each year.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will meet with the leaders involved in the Cyprus issue next week. Expectations for interest from the Turkish side are low, according to reports. President Nicos Christodoulides states that preparations continue for potential talks. Maria Angela Olguin will also be present and has communicated with Guterres. Results from these meetings are anticipated this week.
The Health Insurance Organization is reviewing quality criteria for compensating family doctors under the General Health System. The aim is to implement a new compensation scheme by the first quarter of 2027. The new plan will allocate 70% of the payments based on the number and age of patients, and 30% based on qualitative criteria. Doctors have requested a reassessment, and the plan will be ready for consultation next month. Both the Minister of Health and the President of the Republic are informed about the developments.
The driver of Androulla Vassiliou returned to the police following her initiative, despite the initial reactions regarding the security details for former officials. Androulla Vassiliou expressed her dissatisfaction with the removal of her security detail but stressed that she respects the authorities' decisions. She instructed her police escort to report to the Police Headquarters on Monday. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of facilitating her attendance at official events. The driver will receive new instructions and will assume his duties normally next week.
Sophia Christodoulou Makri has opened the door for all expelled members of EDEK to return without conditions. This decision was made by a committee aimed at the party's cleansing and coordination. Those who were expelled can return with full rights if they wish. This move aims at restructuring and growing EDEK again. The reaction from Dimitris Papadakis regarding the leadership change is positive, but he emphasizes that specific actions are required for the party's normalization.
The termination of the investigation into the 'black van' has raised confusion and uncertainty, as the announcements from the Anti-Corruption Authority and the Attorney General are unclear. The Authority accuses the Attorney General of halting the investigation, while he claims that all matters had already been investigated. The correspondence exchanged between the two parties is classified, complicating the situation. Essentially, no one is taking responsibility for the premature ending of the investigation. This leaves significant questions unanswered.