A man who held his girlfriend hostage and caused bodily harm was sentenced to three years in prison by the Court of Appeals. The initial two-year sentence was deemed insufficient due to the severity of the crimes. The incident occurred in March 2025 when the accused attacked the woman after she refused to drive him to buy drugs. The woman managed to escape and report the incident to the police. The Attorney General contested the original sentence, calling for a stricter punishment.
President Christodoulides stated that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is considering a trilateral meeting regarding the Cyprus issue. The President expressed satisfaction with the new ideas he presented, which were positively received by the Secretary-General. He emphasized that the strategy for greater EU involvement might be crucial. The Secretary-General has shown a commitment to facilitating dialogue and is awaiting a response from the Turkish-Cypriot side. The President expressed hope for ongoing diplomatic efforts in the coming days.
A bill has been submitted to the Parliament regarding child benefits, featuring significant changes that increase amounts for lower income categories. The new measures aim to include more families and children among beneficiaries and to address the sudden loss of benefits when family income slightly increases. For families earning up to €22,000, the allowance increases by 10%, while for incomes up to €44,000, the increase is 5%. Approximately 17,000 families and 23,500 children are expected to benefit from this change. If the bill is passed, the new regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2027.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the collapse of a balcony in a dangerous building in Limassol. The incident occurred on Thursday morning at the "Roussos Olympic Palace". A section of the balcony from the 5th floor fell onto the balcony of the 4th floor. Police, fire services, and relevant officials rushed to assess the situation. Residents will be temporarily accommodated due to an evacuation order from the Ministry of Interior.
A passenger fell from the disembarkation stairs at Larnaca airport and filed a lawsuit against Swissport Cyprus Ltd seeking compensation. However, the Court of Appeals dismissed his appeal, confirming the initial ruling which stated that there was no negligence on the part of the company. The judges concluded that there was insufficient evidence linking the fall to Swissport's actions. According to the testimonies, the stairs were considered safe and all necessary safety measures were in place. Thus, while compensation was agreed upon, the company's liability for the fall was not established.
The rejection of Sotiris Koumas' candidacy for the position of scientific director at OKYpY Limassol has sparked political reactions. AKEL accuses the organization of political motives and is seeking clarifications regarding the evaluation criteria for candidates. MPs raise questions about the process and the male dominance in the questions posed to candidates. The executive director of OKYpY, Kypros Stavridis, did not provide specific answers, stating that the decision came from the organization's board. The Pancyprian Union of Government Doctors is calling for official explanations regarding the posted position.
Andreas Ioannou, representing personal doctors, strongly countered the remarks made by lawmakers regarding the work of doctors within the General Healthcare System (GeSY). He stated that doctors are not merely referral specialists and are dedicated to providing quality services. He acknowledged the differences among the medical specialties involved in GeSY and emphasized the need for expertise to better serve patients. Ioannou argued that current requirements for registered patients are excessive. His remarks were made in response to criticisms directed at personal doctors by the parliamentary health committee.
The Minister of Transport, Evi Tsolaki, opposes any changes to Makarios Avenue, warning that such changes could lead to the return of European funds. The European Commission has cautioned about potential repercussions that could affect the funding for the redevelopment of the commercial triangle. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Nicosia is preparing proposals for the revitalization of the area, which include opening the avenue. The Mayor of Nicosia emphasizes the need for calm discussion and collaboration, avoiding division. The Ministry of Transport is waiting for relevant studies from the Municipality before taking a position.
The state budget for 2027 was submitted to the Parliament, aiming for a growth rate of 2.9% and a reduction of public debt to 45.6%. The Minister of Finance highlighted a provision of €25 million for the GSI electrical interconnection. He also left open the possibility of additional social measures if deemed necessary. The President of the Parliament emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Parliament and the Government during the examination of the budget. The need to maintain fiscal discipline and utilize surpluses to support citizens was also stressed.
At Meta's annual conference, Mark Zuckerberg showcased new technologies, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into daily life. The company's significant investments aim to develop tools that will be useful for people. In addition to new AI products, three types of 'smart' glasses were introduced, featuring augmented reality capabilities. These glasses cost $1,300 and provide a light and comfortable user experience. Their image quality approaches that of Apple's top models.
Construction for the building of the School of Marine Sciences and Sustainable Development at TEPAK in Larnaca will begin soon, near the old airport. The agreement was signed by the mayor and will last for 22 months, with expected completion in August 2028. The Sustainable Development department is projected to start operating by 2027. The president of TEPAK stated that the school will feature modern facilities. This school is significant for advancing education in the region.
The Auditor General's report highlights serious issues regarding the food quality in the National Guard, as nearly 25% of soldiers experienced gastroenteritis. The lack of specialized military control protocols and the importance of proper nutrition are directly linked to operational readiness. Among 1,106 soldiers surveyed, many reported health problems attributed to their diet. The report emphasizes the need for stricter checks and improvements in meal provisions. It further illustrates the significance of quality nutrition for the troops' readiness.
Expenditure on migrant allowances has significantly decreased from 49 million euros to 12 million euros. Irregular arrivals in 2026 reached 968 compared to 11,920 in 2022. New asylum applications also dropped from 15,154 in 2022 to 1,135 in 2026. The Ministry of Migration showcased success in return processes and the upgrading of information systems. The situation has changed significantly over the past few years.
A serious incident occurred on a flight from Edinburgh to Cyprus when a passenger caused a disturbance, leading to the aircraft returning to Edinburgh. The passenger reportedly harassed cabin crew. The flight experienced a turbulent landing, and both police and fire services were dispatched to the airport. A 32-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault and endangerment. The airline apologized to passengers and stated that it would take strict measures against those responsible.
The police arrested a 46-year-old in connection with a theft case involving a supposed prince from Gabon. The complainant was swindled under the pretext of selling his wine cellar for one million euros. The scam included a claim that the money was colored and needed chemical processing to 'return' to its original form. During a meeting, the complainant handed over 89,000 euros, but the suspects disappeared. The police are continuing their investigations into the case.
Nicosia is focusing on the exploitation of the 'Glaucus' and 'Pegasus' gas fields following their declaration as commercially viable. President Christodoulides met with ExxonMobil's Vice President, John Ardill, in New York to discuss the next steps. The Cypriot government aims to accelerate the development processes for these fields. Utilizing these resources is a priority for Cyprus's energy strategy. Collaboration with ExxonMobil is crucial for achieving these goals.
Nikolas Papadopoulos, the president of DIKO, emphasized that Nikos Christodoulides should reflect on the statements made by the Minister of Finance. He stated that the selection of a candidate for the presidential elections should occur through dialogue with the President of the Republic. Additionally, he described the statements of Makis Keraunou as unfortunate and supports that the correct positions come from the government. Nikolas clarified that he will not publicly express his opinions on the presidential elections. He believes that DIKO will determine the outcome of the 2028 elections.
The Trump administration reported eight suicide attempts by crew members of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier during its recent deployment. There were concerns about living and mental health conditions during this long mission. The Navy Secretary stated that there were no suicides, while issues included food shortages and poor hygiene conditions. Additionally, the crew had access to psychologists and other support services. The aircraft carrier was replaced after 286 days at sea.
The Pedieos Linear Park is set to be revamped with a budget of €21 million according to a new Master Plan. The renovation will occur in 15 segments and will include infrastructure and recreational projects. Phase A is expected to be completed by early 2029. New plantings, playgrounds, and sports facilities are planned. The project aims at sustainable urban development in the area.
A lawyer was found guilty of making sexist comments on social media regarding a student's outfit. The Disciplinary Council examined the charges and acquitted the lawyer on one of them, but found his behavior to be disgraceful. The details of the case generated public reactions and were taken very seriously due to the lawyer's profession. The issue raises concerns about the conduct of professionals during public events. The consequences for the lawyer are significant and highlight the need for professional ethics.
Cyprus needs 350 blood units daily, but currently collects only between 150 and 250. This situation risks postponing scheduled surgeries, affecting patients who require transfusions, especially those with thalassemia. Medical professionals are warning about the urgent need to increase blood donations. It is crucial to implement measures to ensure the safety of all patients who need blood. Ensuring adequate blood supplies is essential for the smooth functioning of healthcare services.
Recently, fuel and diesel prices in the US have reached record levels, causing concern among governments. Donald Trump stated that it would be sensible to restrict diesel exports, which has led to divided opinions. The US Energy Secretary warned that such a ban could lead to even higher prices. Refineries might reduce production, causing issues in the domestic fuel market. European governments, criticizing the situation, are taking tax relief measures to support consumers.
The municipality of Aradippou has signed a collaboration with Neuranet Solutions for the implementation of an artificial intelligence system called PyroGuard AI to enhance fire protection. The system will install seven monitoring stations in critical areas, such as industrial zones and the free trade area. The goal is to detect fires early and inform the relevant authorities. This initiative comes after serious fires occurred in the area over the past two years. The municipality aims to invest in a safer and more resilient community.
Yangping Li, an official of the Communist Party of China, was executed in China for embezzling large sums from state funds. The case is also being investigated in Cyprus, where his son, Suchao Li, is wanted by Chinese authorities. The roles of family friends who obtained Cypriot citizenship and are suspected of financial crimes are currently under investigation. Although the Task Force on citizenship issued its report, they made no mention of Yangping Li or his son. The Cyprus Police had been informed about the situation by Interpol in 2020.