Former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders is under investigation for money laundering. Belgian police are conducting searches of properties linked to him. Reynders, who has held various government roles in Belgium, allegedly bought lottery tickets and transferred the winnings to private accounts. The investigation began in 2023 following complaints, although the amount involved has not been specified.
Mid-month will bring new developments in the investigation into the death of Stella Michael, who died a day after giving birth to her second child. Pathologist Dr. Marneridis will come to Cyprus to conduct laboratory tests on the samples from her body. Concerns have arisen regarding Mr. Matsakis's statements about the cause of death, which have provoked reactions from Stella's family. The entire process is expected to be completed at the beginning of the new year.
A case that has shocked Greece involves a police officer of the Hellenic Parliament accused of sexually abusing his children. He denies the allegations, claiming they are false and the result of his wife's mental illness. However, the children have been assessed by specialists and confirmed abuse from both parents. The officer is currently in custody as the case continues to develop.
Thousands of residents in mountainous areas above 600 meters will receive a one-time state subsidy as financial support. The grant is aimed at permanent residents and intends to alleviate issues arising from low temperatures. The expenditure for 2024 is estimated at €5.4 million, with initial payments already commenced. There is also an increase in benefits for pensioners to align them with those of non-pensioners.
Threatening emails were sent from abroad to three recipients for financial extortion. The perpetrators demanded a total of €100,000 in cryptocurrencies, threatening to plant a bomb at their premises. The police are investigating the case and found no explosives. Similar messages have been sent to other countries as well.
OELEMK criticizes Education Minister Athina Michailidou, claiming she has lost her composure in the face of the Ministry's ineffectiveness. They state that the Minister resembles older-style officials and fails to address urgent issues in Secondary Education. The organization emphasizes that they are not responsible for the Ministry's shortcomings and seek dialogue to improve the evaluation system. The announcement will be discussed at the Pan-Cyprian Conference of the Organization on December 19, 2024.
The General Health System is facing serious software issues once again, causing distress for healthcare professionals and patients. Referrals and prescriptions are delayed, and pharmacists are unable to assist patients. Authorities have stated that they are working to resolve the issue. These problems have been observed at least once a week for the past two months.
Today, at the Limassol court, a citizen was found with four bullets in his bag during the security check. The security staff discovered the bullets and alerted the police. The citizen handed over the bullets and was taken to the police station for questioning. Authorities are investigating the case.
The Cabinet decided to expand the categories of beneficiaries for the Christmas gift in 2024. New beneficiaries include National Guard members, new mothers, third and large families receiving child benefits, as well as single-parent families. The total number of beneficiaries will exceed 100,000, with an overall cost of around 20 million euros. This increase is more than 3 million euros compared to last year's decision.
The Republic of Cyprus intends to submit a candidacy for the presidency of the OSCE for 2027. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos will present the candidacy during a ministerial meeting in Malta. While in Malta, the minister will also have discussions with his counterparts. The OSCE meeting is scheduled for December 4 to 6.
An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 was recorded in the maritime area between Cyprus and Turkey. The tremor was felt just recently, and authorities have reported it as an automatic detection that has not yet been verified. More information will be available soon.
The Cabinet meeting focuses on expanding the beneficiaries of the emergency Christmas gift for 2024, adding new categories. The number of beneficiaries will exceed 100,000, with an estimated cost of around 20 million euros. Additionally, emergency assistance will be provided to residents of mountainous areas. These initiatives reflect the government's responsible economic management and social policies.
Cyprus is renewing police measures to prevent irregular migration flows due to the deteriorating situation in Syria. The Minister of Justice has instructed an increase in surveillance along the Green Line and at sea, although the maritime route is currently less likely. There is a growing concern about the number of Syrians moving from Lebanon towards Turkey and Cyprus. The situation may lead to an increase in refugees, and authorities are on high alert.
In the morning, a strong explosion occurred in Agios Dometios, causing unease among the residents. Locals reported that the sound was loud and that the area shook. The police confirmed that the explosion happened in the occupied areas and there is no danger to the free areas. Initial reports suggest the explosion was near a military post of the occupying troops.
The Ministry of Energy announced two changes to the Grant Scheme for solar water heaters, generating significant interest from the public. Over 500 applications were submitted on the first day. The changes include the removal of requirements for installers and clarifications regarding commercial guarantees. The aim is to boost installer participation and protect consumers.
The European Union has decided to extend the smoking ban to outdoor areas such as cafes and playgrounds. This decision also includes new tobacco products like electronic cigarettes. Although the ban is not mandatory for all member states, the aim is to protect public health and change social habits. Public health organizations support that this decision is necessary for the safety of younger generations.
A witness's testimony revealed details about the murder of Angelos Pericleous. 37-year-old Panayiotis Argyris stated that the accused, Joshua Poloso Epifaniou, narrated the act to him. The motive for the murder appears to be 100,000 euros and a watch. The testimony surprised many due to the new elements not mentioned before.
South Korea is experiencing a serious political crisis following President Yoon Suk Yeol's decision to impose martial law. Citizens and the opposition are protesting and calling for the resignation of the president and his government. The situation has led to increased pressures for removals and legal actions against the president. Although the decision has been revoked, Yoon's political future remains uncertain.
The proposal from the Minister of Health and O.K.Y. includes a new incentive scheme for doctors based on productivity and quality of services. Doctors will receive a fixed amount that varies depending on the hospital and their performance. The goal is to improve service quality and increase the organization's competitiveness. The negotiation process is expected to be tough due to the new conditions imposed.
The Democratic Party is preparing for a political and constitutional congress, with the Secretary General coordinating political groups. These groups are responsible for developing policy proposals and collaborating with the party's parliamentary group. There is an open invitation to DISY and AKEL for an exchange of views, and thematic seminars will be organized to communicate with citizens. The first seminar focuses on the role of Cyprus as a bridge of stability between Europe and the Middle East.
The municipality of Strovolos and the Ministry of Interior are in conflict over the construction of a six-story building in an area where only three stories are allowed. The municipality opposes the construction, while the Ministry cites legal grounds for proceeding. Tensions also revolve around the evacuation of buildings deemed demolishable. The dispute is causing division within the local political landscape.
At the oncology department of the General Hospital of Nicosia, there were sewage leaks twice within five days, leading to serious infrastructure problems and persistent odors. The movement and areas of outpatient clinics and the day care unit were affected, causing concern among staff and patients. The leaks are attributed to poor construction during the hospital's construction and the absence of a connection to the sewer system. Considerations for temporary solutions include relocating services to other areas and the necessary connection to the sewer system.
In Larnaca, reactions continue against the government's decision to privatize the management of the port and marina for five years. The municipality expresses concerns that this will delay investments in the infrastructures. Boat owners are planning protests, seeking a reduction in berthing fees. The Transport Minister defends the decision, stating that the profits will remain with the state and that concerns will be addressed soon.
A 15-year-old girl in Limassol was the victim of sexual abuse by a 22-year-old man. The situation came to light when the minor was reported missing and subsequently located by authorities. The accused exploited her drug dependency, providing her with drugs and abusing her for three days in a hotel. Eventually, the girl decided to speak up and revealed her experiences.
The ready-mix concrete industry in Cyprus is starting to return to normalcy, with 70-75% of production expected to resume. Agreements between unions and companies have allowed for the resumption of activities, but strike actions will continue in companies that do not renew their contracts. The negotiation process has been unprecedented, as there is no longer a central body to oversee the agreements. While full normalcy is anticipated to improve the market, the economic losses from the previous strike remain significant.