The police are on alert due to the escape of a 19-year-old from the detention center in Lakatamia. The young man, who is from Syria, was found missing during a headcount of the detainees. Authorities are conducting extensive searches in the area, but he has not been located so far. The circumstances surrounding his escape are currently being investigated.
The Democratic Party (DIPA) proposes an extension of the period during which the state covers social insurance for mothers of large families who stay at home. Minister of Labor Marinos Musyouttas announced that the government accepts the proposal for increased funding. For each additional child, the coverage period will extend up to 28 years. This policy aims to better support large families. There will also be modifications regarding the contributions on dividends, which are currently under review.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman rejected the UN Secretary-General's proposal for a trilateral meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. Following this rejection, the President is returning to Cyprus. Although President Christodoulides remains open to a meeting, challenges are anticipated. Nicosia had hopes for progress in the Cyprus issue, but this development complicates matters. The P5 ambassadors found the president's proposals to be positive.
79-year-old Kostas Papadopoulos from Nicosia passed away today after 20 days in the ICU. He was involved in a traffic collision on September 5, 2026. He was driving on Nikis Avenue when he collided with a 19-year-old driver. He was transported to Nicosia General Hospital with serious injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
The case of George Mazonakis reveals contradictions in the nurse's testimony. She stated that instructions were given by the doctor regarding the time of the singer's arrival. She described the details of his collapse and the use of the defibrillator. There were also questions about the legal use of certain machines in the clinic. Mazonakis' family is closely following the developments with great interest.
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou denied rumors about his potential candidacy for the 2028 Presidential Elections. He stated that he has no interest in entering politics and is not in discussions with AKEL or any other party. His focus remains on philanthropic activities through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. He emphasizes initiatives supporting youth entrepreneurship and enhancing cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Additionally, he supports programs to aid those in need.
The bill proposed by Fotini Tsiridou aims to combat online bullying and harassment by anonymous users on social media. It sets out new penalties for organized online targeting and malicious sharing of personal information. The focus is on protecting citizens and children from serious online threats. However, it also ensures the freedom of speech and press. The complexity of the proposed legislation highlights the challenges that authorities face in the digital age.
The ministerial meeting focused on measures to improve the transfer and examination of inmates in public hospitals, the management of psychiatric cases, and the functioning of the Forensic Service. It was decided to establish special arrangements for the transportation of inmates and to strengthen the Forensic Service. Special areas will be created in hospitals to facilitate the quicker examination of inmates. There will also be a reform of the legislative framework for psychiatric cases. Finally, delays in medical malpractice cases were discussed and how to address them.
The examining magistrate requested the lifting of communication confidentiality concerning the case of George Mazzonakis' death. This will include phone calls and messages exchanged by the involved parties. The decision from the Council of Magistrates is expected next week. The two detained doctors have decided not to appeal their temporary detention. Although the deadline is today, their defense is waiting for new evidence before proceeding.
The government has increased promotion positions for Contract Soldiers from 250 to 400, allowing advancement up to the rank of Sergeant Major. The retirement age limit has also been raised from 42 to 57 years. The Minister of Defense announced an increase in special allowances, including an annual bonus. Contract Soldiers have shown interest in participating in the promotion process. These changes recognize their contribution to the operational readiness of the National Guard.
The Cyprus Police mourns the loss of former Chief Tasos Panayiotou, who served for 42 years. He joined the Police in 1964 and held various positions with great professionalism and ethics. From February 2002 until 2006, he served as Chief of Police, contributing to the development of the force. His funeral will take place on September 28, 2026. The Police express their sincere condolences to his family.
Haralambos Lykoidis, the lawyer for George Mazonakis' family, commented on the singer's death case during a television intervention. He labeled the testimony of the clinic's employee as false, made one day before the deadline for the doctor's bail application. He expressed that the testimony seems to be directed towards defending the doctor and raised concerns about its truthfulness. Anyone who does not tell the truth will face legal consequences, he added. The case has now moved to the investigative stage, with the investigator having exclusive responsibility for the inquiries.
All involved parties are seeking solutions for issues related to school transportation and delinquency. Following recent events, expanded meetings have been scheduled with the participation of three ministries and organized parents. The president of the organized parents highlights the need to address the troublemakers on buses and suggests the installation of supervisors and cameras. The meeting will take place on Monday, September 27, 2026, at the Ministry of Transport. It is emphasized that not all students should be punished for the actions of a few.
Mehmet Harmancı withdrew from the Cyprus Forum due to a title change that sparked strong reactions from ELAM. Harmancı and Charalambos Proutzos were set to present an award, but the title used did not align with the position of Turkish Cypriots. The withdrawal came as Harmancı sought to avoid any degradation of his status. Initially, the Cyprus Forum did not intend to withdraw the invitation, but after realizing the opposition, they tried to find a resolution. This whole incident highlights the sensitive relations between the communities in Cyprus.
The results of Cyprus in the PISA 2025 study are disappointing, ranking students last in the EU for Sciences and Reading Comprehension, and second to last in Mathematics. 43% of students lack basic skills in these subjects, while the corresponding percentage in the EU is 21%. Notably, Cypriot students answer quickly, with 25% responding in less than 10 seconds. Performance has shown no improvement since 2022, with a slight decline in Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. Although students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are improving, the overall situation remains concerning.
An explosion occurred in an old building in Plaka, Athens, causing significant damage. One person suffered minor injuries from debris, and there are reports of a trapped individual inside the building. Emergency teams, including EMAK, have rushed to the scene to assess the situation. The explosion was powerful enough to be heard throughout central Athens. Police and fire services are working to ensure the safety of surrounding buildings.
A 40-year-old man was arrested in Limassol while attempting to burglarize a jewelry store. The police received a tip-off and found him inside with burglary tools and stolen jewelry. He resisted arrest but was ultimately apprehended. The stolen jewelry had been taken in a previous burglary of the store. Investigations by the Limassol CID are ongoing.
The Mining and Quarrying Service aims to ensure the availability of raw materials for the construction sector in an environmentally sustainable manner. Geological maps are being prepared, and geological hazards are monitored across Cyprus. Studies are underway to develop a critical raw materials strategy, and the recycling of construction materials is being enhanced. Licensing processes require coordination among various agencies, with efforts to expedite their completion. The increase in sales of inert materials indicates strong construction activity in Cyprus.
The Water Development Department's budget for 2027 includes a record investment for desalinated water production, amounting to €168 million. This is an increase of €26 million compared to the 2026 budget. The decision comes amidst a climate crisis and significant decreases in water reserves. In addition to desalination plants, provisions will also cover needs for recycled water supply and infrastructure maintenance. The aim is to enhance water supply and prevent serious irrigation restrictions.
Property prices in Cyprus increased by 8.5% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year. The apartment price index slowed down, while foreign buyers are now a majority, particularly with rates nearing 50% in Larnaca. Demand for mortgage loans is expected to rise, along with construction costs. In Paphos, foreign buyers constitute a majority. Overall, further increases in the property market are anticipated in the coming months.
On Monday, the Police Report for the risk assessment of ministers and other officials will be ready. Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris has requested to evaluate whether their protection is necessary. The assessment will take place every six months to monitor the situation. It is clarified that the security of officials is a state obligation and not a privilege. There is a possibility of reductions in the protection of certain officials.
The Health Insurance Organization informed the parliamentary Health Committee about planned changes to the compensation process for personal doctors. The shift from 80% to 70% allocation aims to increase the significance of performance-based compensation. The goal is to improve services and the efficient use of General Healthcare System (GeSY) resources. It was also highlighted that new registrations must meet specific specialty requirements. This discussion is crucial for the future of the General Healthcare System in Cyprus.
Averof Neofytou expressed his determination to run for president, without clarifying if he will participate in the internal process of DISY. This declaration has caused unrest within the party, as it threatens to undermine the presidency's unity plan. The leadership prefers to avoid internal elections and seeks a consensus proposal. However, recent developments indicate that the situation is tense and creates new dynamics for the electoral process. Relationships within the party seem to be tested as Averof leaves open the possibility of an independent candidacy.