The Ministry of Education maintains the 50%-50% hiring system for teachers and rejects any permanent positions without exams. The goal is to ensure job security for current teachers and offer fair opportunities for new teachers. Changes are expected to take effect in 2027. Positive proposals have emerged from discussions with labor organizations, but disagreements remain regarding the permanent hiring without exams due to legal constraints. Enhancing the public school system remains a priority for the State.
The 43rd Authentic Marathon of Athens set historical records for participation and performance, with over 85,000 runners from 124 countries. Ethiopian Manazot Siyum Taferi broke the men's record with a time of 2:10:03. Yatané Kormose Dusa also set a new women's record at 2:30:04. Stamatia Nula recorded a new Greek record, surpassing the previous one from 1997. The marathon continues with more runners finishing until the afternoon.
A group of over ten individuals attacked a house in Strovolos. They assaulted three young men, aged 22, 24, and 25, stealing their mobile phones and money. Two of the victims were hospitalized for medical treatment. The police are investigating the incident and have collected evidence from the scene. One of the stolen mobile phones was found nearby.
Gandi Eisenkot has 28 days to form a new government in Israel, facing complex political negotiations. Prime Minister Netanyahu is close to losing power as neither his bloc nor the opposition has secured a majority. President Isaac Herzog gives Eisenkot the first opportunity, who entered politics in 2022. However, involving Arab parties in the coalition remains uncertain due to existing disagreements. If Eisenkot fails, new elections will be called.
Maria Angela Olguin emphasizes the importance of preparation before negotiations regarding the Cyprus issue. She suggests that the leaders should agree on a clear process, including a timeline and agenda. She warns that failure of the current initiative could have serious consequences for resolving the Cyprus problem. Olguin proposes starting negotiations without preconditions, prioritizing the issue of rotating presidency. The lack of a clear process could prolong the disagreements between the two sides.
A 75-year-old woman from Nicosia, Militsa Fantis, suffered serious injuries after falling into a ravine while foraging for mushrooms. The accident occurred yesterday afternoon in a village in the Morphou district. Despite being rushed to the General Hospital of Nicosia, the woman sadly passed away. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. The police are continuing their inquiries.
The diplomatic situation regarding the Greece-Cyprus interconnection has improved despite initial tensions. Consultations between the states continued into Saturday morning with the prospect of starting research operations. France tried to clarify its position on the research to avoid misunderstandings. The Turkish Foreign Minister appeared reassuring, while the Greek side confirmed that its stance remains unchanged. The overall situation looks positive, although some procedural issues still remain.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gandi Eisenkot with forming a government. Eisenkot stated he would do everything to create a national emergency government. He has invited members of Likud to join under the condition that they distance themselves from their far-right allies. However, support from Arab parties alone is insufficient to secure a majority. The situation is complicated by the resistance of other political leaders to collaborate with Arab factions.
With the CY Login system, citizens can access government digital services securely and easily. Over 735,000 individuals have created profiles, with more than 470 services currently available. The central portal gov.cy receives around 600,000 visits monthly. More than 100 new digital services are expected to be launched by the end of the year. This new system will streamline the service process for all citizens.
The Ministry of Education admits that the services dealing with violence and delinquency in schools need strengthening. Minister Athena Michaelidou highlights the increase in incidents of violence and the necessity for better staffing of these services. The supportive services include the Educational Psychology Service and other significant groups. Strengthening these services is essential for effective management of incidents. This will contribute to creating a safer school environment.
The latest European Commission report highlights changes in the Turkish education system, which prioritizes national and religious values over scientific learning. Religious groups are gaining more influence in schools, leading to imbalances and discrimination. The Ministry of Education allows religious groups to shape the education system, intensifying the debate on secularism. Atheists and agnostics face social pressure and restrictions in education. The Turkish education system fails to ensure a neutral and impartial approach to different religions.
The Republic of Cyprus has launched an international campaign to prevent the candidacy of Feridun Sinirlioğlu for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. Nicosia warns of the Turkish official's unsuitability due to his stance towards the Republic of Cyprus. Although the first vote was unsuccessful, the situation is still ongoing, and compromises may occur. Sinirlioğlu has challenged the legitimacy of the Republic of Cyprus and proposed solutions based on the creation of two states. His actions, supported by Turkey's directives, have raised concerns in Cyprus and internationally.
The Central Committee of AKEL has started the process for the presidential elections, seeking partnerships with other political forces for 2028. Stefanos Stefanou emphasizes the importance of these collaborations to help the party move out of isolation. The situation has changed with the new leadership at EDEK, introducing a new political dynamic. There are hopes for re-establishing connections with EDEK, which traditionally had partnerships in the past. Such collaboration could promote progress in the political sphere.
The Democratic victory in the US midterm elections brings significant changes to the American political landscape. The Republicans faced major defeats, making it difficult for Donald Trump to advance his legislative agenda. Three experts discuss the potential effects of Trump's electoral weakening on US foreign policy. The president still holds significant tools of power despite the defeat of his party. This shift may impact international relations, particularly concerning conflicts like those in Iran and Ukraine.