During the game between Panathinaikos and Baskonia, Mathias Lessort suffered a serious injury when he fell and twisted his ankle. The injury raises concerns as it appears he has a fibula fracture. The team and spectators reacted with shock and worry. Coach Ergün Ataman expressed concerns for both Lessort's health and a spectator who suffered a cardiac incident.
According to the Eurobarometer, the most significant issues for Cypriots are rising prices and cost of living. Migration and economic conditions follow closely behind. While Cypriots express general life satisfaction, they show decreased confidence in the EU. Additionally, 76% believe that things in Cyprus are heading in the wrong direction.
An 18-year-old reported that she was raped by a 25-year-old, who has been arrested and will remain in custody for five days. According to her, the incident took place last month at the suspect's home. She claims to have become pregnant from the rape. The 25-year-old countered that there was consent.
According to a Eurobarometer survey, 67% of Cypriots are dissatisfied with the functioning of democracy in Cyprus. The country ranks second to last among EU member states. This dissatisfaction has increased by 15% since Spring 2024. The European average satisfaction rate is at 55%.
In Paphos, the mayors of Paphos and Polis Chrysochous are engaged in public disputes regarding the construction of a hotel without a permit. Paphos Mayor Faidon Faidonos accuses his counterpart Giotis Papachristofis of covering up the illegal construction and having personal motives. The situation raises concerns about transparency and legality in the permitting process. This development highlights the need for stricter oversight and transparency in construction activities.
The teachers' organization OELMEK expresses disappointment over the ineffectiveness of the Ministry of Education concerning serious issues in secondary education. At a recent conference, concerns were raised about violence and delinquency in schools. The ministry has failed to fulfill its commitments, and teachers are calling for specific actions. A deadline for submitting proposals has been set for January 10.
At a secondary school in Larnaca, a student threw a bottle filled with water at a teacher's head. The incident occurred while the teacher was writing on the board, and the police were informed. The student has been expelled from school, and her parents have been notified. So far, the teacher has not filed an official complaint.
The teachers' union OELMEK warns that it will take action, including strikes, if the proposed evaluation of educators by the Ministry of Education is not fair and meritocratic. The ministry's proposals are seen as insufficient and unacceptable, failing to achieve the goal of a modern and productive evaluation plan. The organization emphasizes the need for meaningful dialogue to create a new evaluation system that respects the dignity of teachers. The General Assembly approves the actions taken by OELMEK's Secretariat regarding the issue.
Kostas Hardavellas, a well-known journalist, publicly spoke about his battle with cancer during a 2011 interview. This was the first time he openly discussed his personal experience with the illness, although it had circulated as a common secret. He believed he had cured himself of cancer. The interview took place in his sea-view home.
The Mayor of Polis Chrysochous, Giotis Papachristofis, issued a statement against the Mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos, criticizing his behavior during a licensing committee meeting for a hotel project in Latchi. Papachristofis claims that Phaedon disagrees with the decisions for personal reasons and asserts that the licensing is legal. The new hotel is expected to boost development and tourism in the area. Additionally, Phaedon has raised concerns about the licensing process.
The French investment company Meridiam SAS will acquire 49.9% of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) from ADMHE, which will retain 50.01%. The two companies will finance the needs of the Cyprus – Crete interconnection. The total cost is around €1.2 billion, with a €658 million grant from the EU. It remains unclear whether the agreement will stay as is or be updated.
On January 15, the Supreme Constitutional Court will hold a hearing regarding the President's reference related to the law on the 'Independent Fund for Social Support.' This reference was made after legislation was passed requiring the disclosure of contributions to this fund. Both the lawyers from the Parliament and the Legal Service have submitted their positions. The government has pointed out that there is politicization of the issue related to transparency and accountability.
Savvas Matsis challenges the forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos to tell the truth about the case of Thanasis Nikolaou, arguing that he lied for 19 years. Matsis feels vindicated by the Supreme Court's decision, emphasizing the importance of public interest. He questions Stavrianos's intentions and ponders whether he will pursue legal action after Cyprus was condemned for negligence in the investigation. Matsis calls for Stavrianos to speak publicly, encouraging dialogue rather than a monologue.
Education Minister Athina Michailidou sent a letter to OELMEK before the Pan-Cypriot Conference, addressing criticism on various education issues. She assured that efforts are ongoing for the installation of cameras in schools and finding spaces for problematic students. The minister also mentioned the legal aspects regarding the abolition of the list of appointed teachers by 2027 and promised cooperation with the organization. Lastly, she highlighted the importance of a new teacher evaluation plan.
The trial for the murder of Tansou Cintan continues with significant intensity during the cross-examination of the prosecution witness by the defense attorney. Allegations of poor relations between the Central Prisons administration and the Police are raised. The prosecutor intervened repeatedly during the process. The defense lawyer emphasized concerns regarding the prison administration and the examination process of the crimes.
Dominique Pellicot was found guilty of raping his wife, Giselle, among other women. The court sentenced him to 20 years in prison, the maximum penalty for the charges he faced. Following the verdict, 40 out of 51 defendants were also found guilty. Giselle, by choosing a public trial, has emerged as a feminist icon.
Football clubs have 12 days to settle new tax debts amounting to €4.1 million due to issues with the implementation of a government repayment plan. Failure to pay will lead the tax authority to take legal action against them. There are pressures to revise the repayment plan to increase the number of installments. However, the Ministry of Finance insists that there will be no new plan or debt forgiveness.
After three days of intense political discussions, the members of parliament and staff celebrated Christmas with a party. Louis Patsalidhs was the guest star entertaining the crowd. There were jokes, teasing, food, and dancing, creating a festive atmosphere. Earlier, the government's budget was approved.
The systemic banks in Cyprus are expected to announce reductions in fees and new measures to alleviate financial pressure on vulnerable groups. These decisions come in response to pressure from political leaders and the public. The banks plan to strengthen their presence with ATMs in remote areas. The aim is to serve citizens who have difficulty accessing online services.
The European Council meeting today in Brussels will discuss Turkey's role in the Middle East, particularly focusing on Syria. Cypriot President Christodoulides is preparing with notes and has reached out to regional leaders. Foreign Minister Constantinos Koumbas expressed hope that Turkish influence will not worsen the situation in Syria, emphasizing the importance of stability and Kurdish self-determination.
The Cabinet has revised the criteria for housing plans, increasing income limits by €5,000. There is also a provision for application approval even if incomes exceed limits by 10%. The aim is to benefit more eligible individuals from the plans and to address the current needs of refugees.
The criminal investigation into the death of Thanasis Nicolaou in 2005 continues, and the Supreme Court has issued a ruling that renders the findings of the previous inquiry practically insignificant. Although a legal error was found in the prior process, the court did not annul it in the interest of the public. The criminal investigators are still pursuing the case, which is at an advanced stage. Forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos may consider legal actions regarding the decision in European courts.
Two well-known companies, Mazda and Honda, have announced the recall of 21,032 vehicles due to faulty airbags. The recalls are associated with the risk of serious injury when the airbag is deployed. Owners are urged not to use the vehicles until further instructions are received from their dealers. The Department of Road Transport is monitoring the situation and examining the needs of dealers and importers.
The second meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between Cyprus and the United Kingdom highlighted significant benefits for Cyprus. The dialogue focuses on strategic cooperation, security, and defense, emphasizing Cyprus's stabilizing role in the region. Additionally, opportunities for youth are created, and Cypriot products are promoted in the British market. This cooperation establishes new foundations to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
The House approved the 2025 budget of Christodoulides' government with minimal changes, supported by DISY, ELAM, and coalition parties. There were proposals to exempt funds for the Larnaca port and marina, which were approved, thus avoiding a potential conflict. However, the majority rejected AKEL's amendment regarding electrical interconnection, despite expressed concerns. Overall, the changes focused on details and fund management.