The conflict continues between Christoforos Tornaritis and MEP Feidias Panaigottou. Tornaritis claims that Panaigottou deceived him and that he made a mistake in supporting him. He also urges the Auditor General to investigate the MEP's electoral expenses.
The police in Limassol have initiated investigations to identify suspects involved in the robbery of a food delivery driver. Following coordinated efforts, two new arrest warrants have been issued. This robbery marks the third incident recently targeting food delivery personnel. A 20-year-old has been arrested and is in custody.
Nikolas Androulakis has been re-elected as the leader of PASOK, winning against Charis Doukas with 59.6% of the votes. His victory indicates strong support from the party's base for his policies. Doukas received 40.4% of the votes, suggesting he had significant participation. This result strengthens Androulakis's position for the years to come.
The Hamas plans for the October 7, 2023 attack were much more extensive than previously believed. A newly discovered document details how the organization aimed to mobilize the Palestinian population to attack Israel. The attacks included strategies from land, sea, and air, targeting three prominent skyscrapers in Tel Aviv. This strategy aimed to inflict significant economic and psychological damage on Israel.
Metropolitan Isaias has announced that the monks of the Abakoum Monastery have been removed and can no longer represent the Monastery. The Holy Metropolis of Tamasos and Oreinis is the only authority to speak on behalf of the Monastery. The Metropolitan emphasizes that measures will be taken to prevent similar scandals in the future and supports the Police investigations.
Averof Neofytou urges President Christodoulides to show determination at the upcoming meeting in New York. He emphasizes that the process of finding a solution is critical for Cyprus and that the current situation does not allow for open negotiations. He also points out the Turkish Cypriot side's demands for separate sovereignty. Finally, he hopes our side will be well-prepared and willing to contribute to overcoming the deadlock.
In 2025, 936 public employees will retire, receiving a total of 101.5 million euros as severance pay. The average severance pay per employee is estimated to be 108.4 thousand euros, with significant amounts allocated to teachers, police, and military personnel. The total payment this year is among the largest in the last eight years. The total pension costs are expected to reach 436 million euros.
A new report by BestBrokers.com examines how many salaries are needed to purchase a 100 sq.m. apartment in various European countries. Turkey is identified as the least affordable country with a housing price to income ratio of 81.45%. In contrast, Denmark has the lowest ratio in Europe, requiring 114 salaries to buy a home of that size. The report highlights the differences in price levels and incomes, affecting housing affordability.
According to the Central Bank's quarterly report, six main residences were sold at auctions in the first half of 2024, totaling 2.85 million euros. The auctions mainly involved homes valued under 350,000 euros. Banks increased notifications to borrowers who are late on their payments. A total of 146 notifications were recorded for borrowers who secured their debts with main residences.
The World Health Organization's research examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada. Experts emphasize that the negative effects will linger, while also looking for potential positive influences. The study includes data from Cyprus as well. Overall findings provide valuable insights for supporting children in the post-pandemic era.
The political landscape in Cyprus is in disarray, with key figures being Odysseas Michailidis and Christoforos Tornaritis. This situation is influenced by the phenomenon of Feidias Panayiotou, whose impact is declining. The electoral prospects for the 2026 parliamentary elections remain uncertain, while discussions about the presidential elections of 2028 are already underway. The societal devaluation of parties adds to the uncertainty.
The political leadership in the Greek Cypriot community believes that the UN Secretary-General's invitation for negotiations indicates his desire to advance the process. The key question is what steps Guterres will take next, as he is the only one with access to an important document that has been prepared. Information transparency is limited, with Security Council members also not being informed. Guterres's forthcoming decision will be crucial for the outcome of the Cyprus issue.
The upgrade of the naval base at Mari is now in the implementation phase. The works are expected to start in about twelve months and be completed by 2028. The Ministry of Defense will use expedited procedures to avoid delays. This project, costing 205 million euros, enhances the strategic importance of the Republic of Cyprus in the region.
Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations dismissed allegations from American media stating that the Islamic Republic knew in advance about the Al-Aqsa Flood operation carried out by Hamas militants. Iranian officials emphasized that Hamas officials in Doha confirmed they had no information regarding the operation. These claims were deemed invalid and based on distorted documents. Criticism against the New York Times for alleged bias in favor of Israel has led to reactions and resignations from journalists.