The Minister of Labor is awaiting a response from unions and employers regarding the new proposal for the ready-mix concrete market by tomorrow. The proposal includes salary increases and overtime compensation. Negotiations are critical as the strike has lasted over 25 days. The total damage from the strike is estimated to be between 80 and 100 million euros.
A 5 magnitude earthquake in Turkey was felt in several areas of Cyprus. Initial reports confirm the strength of the seismic tremor. The situation is being monitored, and more information will be available shortly.
An individual was injured in a traffic accident in Nicosia. The accident occurred due to a collision between two vehicles. The injured person was taken to the hospital for examination, and their health status is currently unknown. The police are investigating the incident.
The Minister of Labor is set to deliver a new proposal regarding concrete, following intensive consultations. Employers and unions will be invited at 7 PM on Friday to discuss the new mediation proposal for renewing the collective agreement. The main issue at hand concerns payments for overtime. The Minister hopes the proposal will be evaluated with a constructive attitude.
A 38-year-old woman was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Permanent Criminal Court of Paphos for importing and possessing 16 kilograms of cannabis. She and a 56-year-old man were arrested upon their arrival at Paphos airport in July 2023. The cannabis was found in their luggage during a customs check. Both defendants were found guilty and received the same prison sentence.
President Nikos Christodoulides and T/C leader Ersin Tatar will attend a UN reception on December 10th. The event is organized by the UN Special Envoy to Cyprus, Colin Stewart. This marks their first meeting since the dinner they had in New York in October. The event will take place at Ledra Palace in the evening.
The president of the Democratic Rally (DISY), Annita Dimitriou, accuses AKEL of being on the wrong side of history regarding Cyprus's potential NATO membership. In contrast, AKEL argues that there will not be any protection from NATO Turkey. Dimitriou emphasizes that Cyprus has the opportunity to become a factor of security and peace through collaboration with the West and NATO. She calls on all parties to take a stand on this significant decision.
The 'Golden Hats of Cyprus 2024' culinary awards showcased the progress of the restaurant scene in Cyprus, handing out 35 awards this year compared to 31 last year. Notably, 6 Golden Hats were awarded, an increase from 2023 and 2022. The ceremony took place on November 27 at the Four Seasons in Limassol, featuring notable personalities from various fields. The awards recognize the efforts of the best restaurants in Cyprus.
The Supreme Court overturned a lower court's decision regarding compensations claimed by two Georgians for mistreatment by police officers in Paphos. Initially, general compensations were awarded, but the Supreme Court decided that punitive damages were justified, adding €3000 for each plaintiff. The abuse and unlawful detention experienced by the plaintiffs were recognized as serious violations impacting their dignity. Ultimately, the Court deemed the additional compensation a reasonable form of restitution for the injustice they suffered.
A serious case of sexual abuse of a minor in Limassol has caused shock and outrage. The 29-year-old accused allegedly abused the victim over an extended period. The case emerged when the accused tried to report being beaten by the minor. Investigators have gathered evidence, and the case is set to be heard by the Permanent Criminal Court of Limassol early next year.
Today, many students are visiting shopping malls in Nicosia to shop during Black Friday, even though it is a regular school day. Some schools are organizing trips to malls, allowing students to purchase items if they have pocket money. These trips have stirred reactions on social media. Despite the contradictions, consumer activity is significantly increased due to the sales.
Households in Cyprus are depositing more money in banks than ever before, reaching a historic amount of €28.12 billion by the end of October. Despite concerns about low interest rates and rising costs, deposits continue to rise. Banks have significant liquidity, which discourages them from offering higher interest rates. Meanwhile, total loans recorded a net decrease in October.
The Parliament has passed legislation criminalizing the non-consensual use of sexual content, known as revenge pornography. The proposal, submitted by Georgios Koukoumas, aims to protect victims and penalize offenders, imposing strict sentences. Notably, most victims are women, with many cases involving threats of an economic nature. The new law includes measures to prevent the dissemination of such material.
The teachers' union OELMEK is expressing its frustration towards the Ministry of Education, highlighting a number of unresolved issues. They have given Minister Athina Michailidou a deadline until January 10 to respond, or they will take strong action. The issues mentioned include the inability to address problems like student delinquency and teacher appointments. The letter emphasizes the need for reforms and support for Secondary Education.
The Republic of Cyprus is seeking to enhance its defense capabilities through dialogue with the United States. This cooperation will strengthen the deterrent capacity of the National Guard and improve Cyprus's geostrategic position. President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of this collaboration in overcoming obstacles posed by Turkey. There are plans to upgrade key infrastructures such as naval and air bases.
Kyriakos Hadjiyannis publicly criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding the electricity cable issue. His statements led to a strong response from the Democratic Rally, which deemed his remarks unacceptable. Subsequently, Hadjiyannis was forced to backtrack and issue a new statement. The relationship between the MP and the Democratic Rally appears strained due to this conflict.
The government is moving forward with the regulation of common building properties through a new bill that focuses on addressing serious issues such as the absence of management committees and delays in paying shared expenses. The chair of the parliamentary committee states that the process will progress rapidly and will involve all relevant organizations. The bill empowers management committees to incur necessary expenses for maintenance, aiming to enhance services. Despite the challenges, the initiative aims to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
The Fire Department warns that there is a risk of fatalities due to blockages that hinder fire truck access in case of a fire. Spokesman Andreas Kettis points out that fire safety checks are delayed and many apartment buildings do not comply with regulations. He also emphasizes the need for legislation requiring regular fire safety inspections. The situation is serious and requires immediate action to protect residents.
In Parliament, there was a heated discussion about the doctors' incentives, where doctors, the Ministry of Health, and MPs agreed to continue negotiations. Despite a sense of optimism following the end of a strike, disagreements about the financial amount doctors should receive remain. An independent researcher presented a report stating that 2.5 million euros was determined, while doctors claim there is a second part of the study suggesting a higher amount. This situation has led to tensions and uncertainties regarding the future of negotiations.
The announcement from the Cyprus Transmission System Operator reveals the reluctance of private electricity producers and suppliers to engage in the competitive electricity market. Despite the Operator's appeals since April, interest remains low, with some producers satisfied with current arrangements and their profits. This situation raises concerns about the future of the market, and indications suggest that the new market may not lead to price reductions. Participants are warned of potential delays in enrollment due to a lack of applications.
The strike in the concrete sector has led to serious delays in the construction industry, resulting in staff shortages and the closure of work sites. This has negative impacts on public projects, such as the construction of the new museum in Cyprus. Contractors are considering requesting an extension of public contracts after the strike, while workers are relying on their remaining leave. The strike, which is historic due to its duration, is crippling progress in the construction sector.