The agreement between Cyprus and Greece for the electrical interconnection includes a cost reduction for consumers if the final cost exceeds €1.94 billion. The costs will be shared 50-50 between the two countries, instead of the previous 63%-37% distribution. Recovery of the implementing agency's expenses will begin in 2025, and consumers will not bear immediate costs during the construction period. If the interconnection is not completed by 2029, the funding for the GSI will be halted.
Tomorrow, the Supreme Constitutional Court will decide on the Attorney General's request to dismiss Auditor General Odysseas Michailidis. Both sides presented opposing arguments, interpreting Michailidis's actions and statements differently. The judges will determine if the Auditor's actions are deemed inappropriate or if they fall within his independent duties. The decision will be binding for the President of the Republic and will dictate Michailidis’s future.
The Cabinet approved the electrical interconnection of Cyprus and Crete, confirming that costs will start being covered in 2025 with an annual amount of 25 million euros. Energy Minister George Papathanasiou stated that consumers will not incur immediate costs during the construction period. However, there were doubts regarding the funding and the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the project. Further decisions by RAEK may be expected in the coming days.
A father is alleging that his 17-year-old son was a victim of police violence during his arrest. The father claims that an officer grabbed him by the neck and tightened his handcuffs, causing injuries. The family plans to file a complaint against the police. The father believes that the police were looking for victims during the incidents and that the charges against his son do not justify his detention.
Costas Kadis is taking on new duties as Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans in the EU. Ursula von der Leyen asks him to develop a long-term vision for sustainable fishing and aquaculture. Additionally, he needs to ensure the effective implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and promote compliance with ecosystem-friendly fishing practices. Kadis will be supported by the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Commission.
MP Charalambos Theopemptou proposes a 24-point plan to combat hooliganism in football. The measures include the use of biometric data, facial recognition, and stricter penalties for offenders. The goal is to improve safety in stadiums and involve fans in the process. Collaboration among various entities is essential for the effective implementation of these proposals.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis announced five promotions of senior police officials to fill vacant positions. The promotions are retroactive to 2012, and the promoted individuals are now eligible to apply for assistant chief positions. The vacancies arose due to annulment court decisions that created significant issues within the force. The process was conducted following judicial rulings to prevent future legal challenges.
The Cypriot Council of Ministers discussed and approved proposals for changes to the regulatory framework of the electricity interconnection between Cyprus and Crete. An official announcement is expected later today with details of the decision. This could have a significant impact on the region's energy policy.
The body found in a wooded area near Ayia Napa belongs to 27-year-old Alexandar Gligorijevic from Serbia, who was reported missing since July. Identification was confirmed through laboratory tests, but the cause of death remains unknown. Alexandar had come to Cyprus for a vacation, and the last contact was on July 21. His family and friends were actively involved in the search for him.
Nikos Loizides, President of the Police Force Branch 'Equality', criticizes the lack of training for trainee police officers involved in recent incidents in Limassol. He claimed that, due to understaffing and limited resources, we risk lives to save money. He also pointed out the inability of the Cyprus Football Association (KOP) to ensure the safety of fans, highlighting the minimal fines for the use of Molotov cocktails. He emphasized the need for better training and support for police forces.
Four young suspects are being held by the Limassol District Court after admitting possession of a baton and masks during an incident outside the AEL stadium. Two of them allege that they were beaten by police officers during their arrest. Their lawyers question the duration of their detention and their guilt. One 17-year-old suspect required hospitalization due to his injuries.
The 49-year-old German defendant accused of land usurpation in Ayios Amvrosios is seeking a postponement of the proceedings. Her lawyer intends to raise a pre-trial objection concerning fair trial rights and potential court bias. For the next court date, the defendant will remain in custody and plans to plead not guilty to the charges. The prosecution noted that the changes in the charges do not affect the key offenses.
Averof Neofytou attacks President Christodoulides, accusing him of merely acting as an observer rather than a leader. He emphasizes that urgent issues require decisive solutions rather than evasions. Neofytou expresses doubts about the President's ability to safeguard the interests of citizens, particularly regarding the significant interconnector project. Overall, he urges the President to take responsibility and confront the country's challenges boldly.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Commission, announced the new European Commissioners and their portfolios. Costas Kadis from Cyprus will take on the role of Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans. The executive vice presidents will oversee areas such as green transition and digital technology. Cooperation among all Commissioners is essential for strengthening Europe.
Justice Minister Marios Charalambous responded to recent violence during a football match. He called on teams to isolate the violent fans and defended the police. He emphasized the need for stricter legislation and more measures from the Cyprus Football Association to combat violence at stadiums. He criticized the lack of decisiveness from the CFA in the current situation.
The six unions representing 7,000 health sector workers have decided to close hospitals for 24 hours. The action is due to delays by the Health Services Organization (OKYpY) in negotiating a collective agreement. Following the strike, local assemblies will be held for workers to approve further measures. The unions will also hold a press conference to explain their reasons for this decision.
Students from Laniteio Lyceum in Limassol are protesting against their mandatory school uniform. They are asking for permission to wear different clothes, such as shorts, to cope with high temperatures and the lack of air conditioning. The protesting students have been outside the classrooms for two periods. This initiative highlights their need to express concerns about their comfort at school.
Following incidents during the Apollo - AEL derby, there is a situation of mutual blame among the involved parties. Authorities and the Cyprus Football Association are passing the buck on responsibilities, while the police face criticism for handling the situation. However, everyone seems to be shirking their responsibilities, worsening the situation in Cypriot football. Fortunately, there have been no serious humanitarian losses reported so far.
The Traffic Police is considering increasing fines for serious violations due to evidence indicating that these infractions cost lives. Many drivers, despite knowing the importance of seat belts and helmets, fail to use them. Additionally, there are high levels of violations related to distracted driving and the absence of registration plates. The fines for these violations are expected to double.
The report by the Audit Office highlights a significant decrease in the number of outpatient patients in public hospitals, as many have turned to the private sector following the implementation of GHS. While this decrease was somewhat expected, there are concerns about the management of resources and the overtime pay for doctors, which exceeds their annual salaries. Despite the drop in outpatient numbers, inpatient figures showed some fluctuations, with stable outcomes in 2022 and 2023. The Auditor General urges OCYPP to improve compliance and resource management.
The contract for e-justice is being terminated due to unsatisfactory results from conducted tests. Key stakeholders, including the Judicial Service and the Cyprus Bar Association, support the termination. Legal proceedings are expected to resolve potential disputes arising from the contract's termination. The e-justice project faced issues since its initial implementation, leading users to revert to the old i-justice system.
Starting in October, the Department of Agriculture will monitor the movement of goat and sheep milk through a new recording system. Cheesemakers and transporters will report the quantities of milk they receive, and producers will need to submit daily data. The ministry has upgraded data transmission systems and issued mandatory regulations for producers and dairies. These changes aim to ensure the quality and proper movement of the milk.
President Christodoulides expressed his willingness for conflict with parties and Parliament, aiming to stay close to civil society. In a recent speech, he addressed the challenges he faces from the party system and emphasized the need for ongoing support from the public. He also announced plans for horizontal voting, an issue that previously faced opposition. His political approach appears to seek differentiation from traditional parties.
Retirees in the refugee district of Livadia in Larnaca are expressing strong outrage over a tripling of the taxes they are required to pay this year. These taxes include waste disposal fees, cemetery taxes, and new sewerage charges that were not previously enforced. Many are complaining that they were not informed about potential discounts or exemptions available to them. The situation has led to serious financial difficulties for vulnerable residents in the area.
The possibility of presenting a plan for the electrical interconnection to the Cabinet is uncertain, as the relevant services have not completed the necessary documents. There are ongoing efforts between Cyprus and Greece to reach an agreement, with President Christodoulides preparing for a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister. Some requests from ADMHE may be approved, but it's uncertain if a decision on Cyprus's participation in the investment will be made. The situation remains pending and the government is under pressure.
While the Cypriot economy shows positive growth, the 'hole' in the Vasilikos terminal is raising serious fiscal concerns. The state may need to pay between €500 to €600 million to cover the damages. Although there is a surplus available to address these expenses, it could affect other social expenditures. The Ministry of Finance is monitoring the situation and considering various scenarios.