Pope Leo XIII has been diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent successful surgery to remove a malignant tumor. The operation lasted about 90 minutes, during which doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The 71-year-old Pope had been in the hospital for the procedure and greeted a crowd of faithful. According to medical announcements, his health condition is stable and there were no complications. Doctors advised him to proceed with the removal of the tumor as it was initially diagnosed.
ELAM is evaluating its strategy for the presidential elections. The two main trends within the party are either to run independently or to support another candidate, like Nikos Christodoulides. Before any decisions are made, an electoral congress will be held to elect new leadership. Six members have expressed interest in the vice presidency positions, with decisions expected at the end of November. The party prefers to wait for developments before announcing its candidacy.
The Rialto Theater is now officially under the Municipality of Limassol, following a decision by the Cabinet. This new arrangement aims to ensure the continuation of artistic activities and the autonomy of the organization, as government funding will gradually decrease after 2028. The mayor of Limassol expressed that this is an important day for the city's culture. There is a focus on maintaining the employees and their benefits in the new company. The Rialto is seen as a central part of Limassol's cultural life.
Shuli Davidovich is the new Ambassador of Israel to Cyprus. The embassy announced this news on social media. The new ambassador stated that she will proudly wear a pin featuring the flags of Israel and Cyprus, symbolizing their friendship. She looks forward to strengthening the ties and cooperation between the two countries. There are positive expectations regarding her assuming her duties.
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Tina Pavlou, presented a bill that relaxes the income criteria for the child allowance, benefiting 23,000 families. This decision means that families will see an increase of 5%-10% in financial support, depending on their income. It is emphasized that the allowance will be combined with services for greater effectiveness. The Deputy Minister expressed pride that 2,000 families and 2,800 children will benefit from the subsidy program for tuition and meals. However, it is noted that Cyprus spends less than 1% of its GDP on family and child support, significantly lower than the European average.
The Nicosia police conducted seven arrests following a 16-year-old's complaint about assault. Among those arrested are one adult and six minors. The arrests were made based on warrants issued by a judge, and the suspects are facing charges of assault and causing bodily harm. The victim identified some of the assailants, and the police are also looking for the individual who recorded the video of the attack. The incident appears to be related to personal disputes, and the investigation will continue.
Cyprus is aiming to strengthen its position in the financial technology sector and attract more investments. At the Forbes Cyprus Summit, government and banking representatives discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by technology. The need to adapt to new technologies and ensure security were key topics. The President of the Republic emphasized Cyprus's economic stability as a significant advantage. The country is planning transformations to remain competitive.
The meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman took place in a positive atmosphere. The two leaders agreed to meet again next week and expressed their hopes for the upcoming visit of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy. They will also participate jointly in a festival in Pyla on Saturday. Additionally, they will take part in upcoming sessions of various technical committees. Details about their discussions were not disclosed.
The Court of Appeals doubled the prison sentence of a 26-year-old who burned a car out of jealousy, increasing it from one to two years. Despite the increased sentence, the execution was suspended due to his personal circumstances and genuine remorse. The initial sentence was deemed insufficient as the first court did not accurately assess the seriousness of the crime. The accused committed arson due to jealousy following specific events. The court emphasized the severity of the crime and its impact on the community.
Netflix has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2030 World Cup in Spain and Andorra, covering 104 matches. Some matches will be available for free through a national TV station, including Spain's matches and the semifinals. This move strengthens the platform's presence in live sports broadcasting, which also includes NFL games. Netflix's stock rose by about 1%. Some agreements regarding rights in other markets have yet to be announced.
The government announced the provision of emergency financial aid amounting to €4.6 million for farmers affected by drought in Cyprus. Professional farmers will receive support to cope with the severe impacts of climate and prolonged drought lasting for the third consecutive year. The funding comes entirely from European resources and does not burden the state budget. Disbursement will occur through the budget of the Department of Agriculture, with payments expected to be completed by February 2027. The support also includes non-professional farmers in the banana cultivation sector.
Professor Kostas Markides stated that traditional banks have won the first battle against fintech companies. Although fintech has changed the way banking services are provided, large banks remain dominant in more complex services. Many consumers use fintech for daily transactions but keep their main bank account with traditional banks. This phenomenon creates the next round of competition. It is estimated that traditional banks and fintech will coexist in the future.
A flight from Rome to Australia was canceled following reports of bed bugs biting passengers during a previous 17-hour journey. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner underwent deep cleaning, leading to the cancellation of subsequent flights. Affected passengers were provided accommodation and new bookings. Bed bugs are difficult to eliminate and have caused issues on other modes of transportation in the past. Cleaning and temperature treatments are necessary to address the problem.
An 18-year-old managed to escape from the Larnaca Court under circumstances that raise questions about security. His escape was made possible due to improper guarding by the police, who left the external door of the transport van open. Other detainees reacted by shouting 'Police'. The police have initiated an administrative investigation into the circumstances of the escape. The 18-year-old had previously troubled authorities due to his criminal activities.
A resident of a dangerous apartment building is asking the government for €500,000 in compensation, claiming to have renovated their unit. Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou highlighted the challenges the government faces due to the individual not being a rightful beneficiary. He suggested that such demands could delay the reconstruction process. The new apartments being built under the kτιΖΩ plan are valued at €250,000. He also stressed the need to respect private property and the impact of delays on legitimate beneficiaries.
The father of Kyprianos Papaioannou, who lost his life in the train accident in Tempi, described the tragic moment of his son's loss. Holding photos of Kyprianos, he spoke about his love for Greece and his faith. Kyprianos was full of life, had served in the Special Forces, and was planning to get married. The family was preparing for his wedding when they learned about the accident. His father shared his anxiety as he awaited news of his son during the disaster.
Nikolaos Karvelas recently responded to reports linking him to a tax investigation, categorically denying any tax violations. He claims that all of his income is legally declared and criticizes individuals from Anna Vissi’s circle for leaking false information. He emphasizes that the dispute centers on respect for his personality and warns of legal actions against those spreading false news. His statement highlights his cooperation with tax authorities. Karvelas stresses the importance of protecting his work from untrue claims.
The Supreme Court decided to uphold the search warrant for the apartment of a well-known socialite linked to a convict. Authorities are investigating serious allegations related to illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and illegal gambling. The amounts involved are estimated to approach nearly €1 million. The socialite reportedly maintained regular communication with the convict via encrypted apps. Evidence suggests she was managing money in coordination with him.
George Pamboridis warns of the consequences if the political scenario of 2023 repeats itself in the 2028 elections, stating that DISY must lead political developments. He also advocates for collaboration with DIKO ahead of the upcoming presidential elections, emphasizing the need to start discussions early. Furthermore, he comments on the internal division within DISY and expresses disappointment over the party reverting to internal conflicts. He highlights that DISY's electoral success has not been adequately leveraged. Finally, he notes that Annita Dimitriou's candidacy is not the main cause of the party's division.
The Greek F-16s are participating in the 'IRIS-2026' exercise, which takes place from October 12 to 15 in Cyprus. Today, the fighter jets performed a flyover above the Kalo Chorio firing range. The exercise aims to evaluate the operational capabilities of the National Guard. During the exercise, live fire drills will be conducted, and the participation of Greek aircraft adds an aerial dimension to the exercise scenarios. Citizens were informed about the prohibition of access to the firing range during the training activities.
President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of Cyprus' economic stability for attracting international investments. In his speech at the Forbes Cyprus Next Gen Banking & Fintech Summit, he highlighted the upgrading of the country's credit rating and the 10% growth of the Cypriot economy in the last three years. The government's goal is to establish Cyprus as a European hub for financial technology, attracting fintech companies. They aim to leverage Cyprus's advantages to enhance innovation and competitiveness. Despite international challenges, the country seeks to create favorable conditions for investments.
Two men from Nepal nearly drowned in Limassol while trying to return from the breakwaters. The lifeguards from LEM 15 responded quickly and helped one of the men who was sinking. Although one claimed to be fine, his friend needed assistance. Ultimately, both men were safe, and the 25-year-old was handed over to the ambulance conscious. The Lifeguard Unit reminds the public of the importance of caution at sea.
A Cypriot passenger arriving from Dubai was found with jewelry and diamonds worth €41,163, which he did not declare at customs. The items were confiscated, and the passenger paid a total of €15,000 for duties, taxes, and a settlement. By choosing the green channel at customs, he failed to declare the valuable items. Following an inspection, the applicable duties and taxes were imposed. The case attracted attention due to the high value of the jewelry.
The director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, has made serious allegations regarding the Melios Zoo. He claims that the owner has illegally constructed facilities and fenced off state land. Despite repeated warnings from the Department of Town Planning, the owner did not comply. The Veterinary Services have not renewed the operating license since 2017 due to the owner's non-compliance. The future of the zoo's operation remains unclear.
Today marks the start of the first Forbes Cyprus Next Gen Banking & Fintech Summit in Limassol. The summit aims to discuss the future of Cyprus's financial sector, involving government bodies, banks, and fintech representatives. The involvement of the President of the Republic emphasizes the importance of financial technology. Distinguished speakers, including Professor Kostas Markidis, will explore sector developments. 250 participants from various countries are expected to attend the summit.
RJ Mitte, an American actor known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the series 'Breaking Bad', has passed away at the age of 34. His talent agency confirmed his death without revealing further details about the circumstances. Mitte was an advocate for disability rights and utilized his own experience with cerebral palsy to portray his character authentically. 'Breaking Bad' is highly regarded as one of the best television series in history, winning 16 Emmy Awards. After the series, RJ Mitte continued his acting career by participating in various productions.
A clinical study of an experimental drug brings hope for those suffering from celiac disease, as it may limit damage from gluten in the small intestine. The drug FB102 showed positive results in participants exposed to gluten. Significant improvements were observed in the condition of the intestinal mucosa and other health indicators. Despite these positive findings, more studies are needed to determine the drug's safety and effectiveness. Until then, a strict gluten-free diet remains the primary treatment approach.
Trisha Stevens, a mother of six from Oregon, suffered severe complications after a hysterectomy, losing both her legs, her right hand, and parts of her left hand. She is seeking $68.5 million in damages, claiming that doctors failed to timely diagnose an infection that led to septic shock. Her condition worsened despite initial tests and symptoms she presented. Stevens shares her difficult experiences and the permanent disabilities she faces after failing to receive appropriate treatment. A lawsuit has been filed against three doctors and two hospitals.
Private hospitals in the General Health System are forced to close beds due to a shortage of nurses. The president of the Employers and Industrialists Federation noted that the issue has affected hospitals in several cities and may expand further. Despite attempts to avoid postponing surgeries, the situation remains critical. Proposed legislative amendments do not seem to improve the situation. Requirements, such as knowledge of the Greek language at a high level, make it challenging to hire foreign nurses.
Private pharmacies are conducting a viability study due to the increasing prescription of expensive medications within the General Health System (GeSY). This rise surpasses 50%, threatening the financial status of these pharmacies. Pharmacists propose that prescriptions should specify the active ingredient instead of the brand name for more flexibility. Additionally, there is an issue with the reimbursement of consumables, as the compensation is disproportionately low compared to the cost. The Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association is working on finding solutions with the Health Insurance Organization (HIO).
In today's meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman, challenges arise from Turkish intransigence and the internal political situation in Cyprus. The President aims for progress and is open to concessions. However, acknowledging Turkey's responsibility for the lack of progress remains a critical shortcoming. The significant role of Turkey in the negotiations is emphasized. Political developments and presidentialism influence relationships and negotiation strategies.
Forensic reports are experiencing significant delays, with many cases remaining open since 2020. This procrastination creates issues for the families of victims and complicates investigations into medical negligence. The understaffing of the Forensic Service and an increase in cases are primary reasons for these delays. Recently, the Ministers of Justice and Health met to discuss solutions. There is a process underway to bolster the number of forensic experts and necessary training to better respond to police needs.
The pension reform seems set to reverse the reduction of the dividend tax from 17% to 5%. MP Marios Pelekanos questioned the Finance Minister about the potential taxation of dividends for business owners. The Minister noted that he could not respond without the final bill. The draft legislation introduces new contributions for income recipients, including revenues from various sources, such as dividends. Social partners are seeking further clarifications regarding these changes.
The rental market in Limassol continues to remain high, despite government measures aimed at increasing housing stock. Prices for three-bedroom apartments have reached as high as €1,850 per month in many areas. Even one-bedroom apartments are hard to find for less than €750. Overall, the situation remains challenging, with prices in some areas surpassing those in Nicosia. Changes are expected in the coming years as urban incentives are fully implemented.
The Democratic Rally is focusing on the need for unity ahead of internal elections. The party's president, Annita Dimitriou, has decided to withdraw her candidacy for the presidential election, emphasizing the collective interest. Concerns have been raised about whether all interested parties will participate in the process. Party leaders are urging members to engage in responsible political dialogue, respecting ethical guidelines. Unity remains a prerequisite for success in the upcoming elections.