On Sunday evening (22/12), a 4.7 magnitude earthquake occurred in Crete, specifically in the Lasithi area. The epicenter was identified 57 kilometers south-southeast of Goudouras, Lasithi. The focal depth of the quake was calculated to be 25.1 kilometers.
A police officer has been placed on suspension following the escape of a 49-year-old prisoner from a private clinic in Larnaca. The prisoner, who was hospitalized for gastroenteritis and chest pain, escaped on Sunday afternoon. He had been arrested in December at Larnaca airport under a European Arrest Warrant for financial crimes in Sweden. The officer involved was an Auxiliary Special Police Officer.
This afternoon, a head-on collision occurred between two vehicles in Agios Silas, Limassol. Four individuals were transported to the hospital for precautionary examinations. The incident happened when one vehicle entered the opposite lane. Fortunately, all occupants are safe.
This afternoon, a 49-year-old prisoner escaped from a private clinic in Larnaca, where he was hospitalized under police guard. He was arrested at Larnaca airport in December due to a European arrest warrant for financial crimes. Following his escape, authorities launched a manhunt to locate him. The incident triggered an alert within the police.
The mother of 9-year-old André Gleißner, who tragically lost his life in an incident in Magdeburg, expressed her grief through a heartfelt social media post. Four women also died in the same incident. DJ Jan Leyk paid tribute to the young boy, describing him as a 'little angel' and reflecting on the sadness of his untimely loss. The mother's post reveals her emotional struggle to understand why this tragedy occurred.
The Meteorological Department issued a new yellow warning for storms and possible hail. The warning is in effect from Monday morning until the evening of the same day. The weather will be partly cloudy with possible rain, and temperatures will range from 7 to 16 degrees. Snow or sleet is expected in the higher mountainous areas.
A contract will be signed tomorrow between the state and Hermes Airports for the extension of management of Larnaca and Paphos airports. This agreement allows Hermes to manage the airports for an additional 18 months, with a significant reduction in their financial claims. Immediate expansion projects at the terminals are expected to commence, backed by funding that has already been secured. The main aim is to improve airport infrastructure through this new agreement.
The alleged perpetrator of the attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg has appeared before a judge, facing charges of murder and attempted murder. Authorities believe he acted alone, and his motives remain unclear. German authorities had been informed of his possible extremist activities by the Saudi Arabian Embassy. The German Chancellor stated that the country stands in solidarity with the people of Magdeburg during these challenging times.
Odysseas Michaeildis responded on social media to Stephanou Stephanou's invitation for collaboration, referencing his leftist grandparents. He emphasized that combatting corruption and enhancing the rule of law should be based on civil society rather than political parties. He expressed his intention to remain independent from party politics. Stephanou highlighted the need for collaboration and a progressive agenda from anyone wishing to engage in politics.
Efstathios Efstathiou, a well-known lawyer and politician, passed away today. He served as a member of parliament from 1985 to 1996 and was a key figure in the founding of EDEK. He was regarded as a leading criminal lawyer and had a significant impact on the legal field in Cyprus. The President of the Republic expressed his sorrow over his passing.
The attack in Magdeburg, Germany resulted in severe consequences with five fatalities, including a child, and around 200 injuries. Eyewitnesses describe the terrifying moments during the attack, with some providing first aid to the injured before emergency services arrived. Their testimonies are shocking, as many children were crying for their mothers. The scene was chaotic and traumatic for those present.
A 52-year-old man is in critical condition at Nicosia General Hospital following a fire in an abandoned house. He was with two others when the fire broke out. He suffered serious burns, and the incident is under investigation by the police. The fire was extinguished by members of the Fire Department, and further examinations are expected to determine its causes.
Donald Trump warned the European Union that it must increase its energy imports from the U.S., or face tariffs on its exports. Despite an already strong energy cooperation, the EU is urged to address its energy deficit with American fuels. Trump is committed to increasing U.S. energy production and emphasizes that Europe will pay a high price for its trade surplus. The U.S. already supplies a significant portion of the EU's LNG and oil imports.
Foreign experts are set to evaluate the institution of interchangeable personnel in the Greek public service, which consists of over 2,730 individuals. The study, lasting five months, will focus on documenting the tasks of this personnel by ministry to identify problems and weaknesses. All recommendations will aim at improving the management of administrative and secretarial duties. The goal is to enhance the effective staffing of public service needs.
The Tax Department is ready to freeze the bank accounts of football clubs that do not pay their tax debts. There are outstanding payments totaling €4.1 million that must be settled by the end of the year. The Tax Commissioner warns that violations will lead to criminal charges and collection measures. Compliance with the 2023 terms is crucial for maintaining their participation in debt arrangements.
The material well-being of households in the European Union shows significant inequalities, according to a Eurostat report. Cyprus ranks among the countries with a high level of actual individual consumption, reaching 100% of the European average. In contrast, countries like Hungary and Bulgaria record levels below 70%. The average GDP per capita varies significantly among member states, with Luxembourg having the highest rate.
Defense Minister Vassilis Palma emphasizes that the upgrading of relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States offers political benefits, establishing Cyprus as a reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean. This cooperation includes strategic dialogues and the training of armed forces. Cyprus is now viewed as a pillar of stability in the region. The upgrade includes the lifting of the arms embargo and participation in multilateral military training programs.
Stefanos Stefanu, the Secretary General of AKEL, criticizes the Government and President Nikos Christodoulides for lacking a coherent social policy and ignoring critical issues. Although AKEL's proposal for a bank profits tax was voted down, it managed to create a significant impact. Stefanu plans to run for re-election as Secretary General at the upcoming congress and emphasizes the need to strengthen the party. While he acknowledges the good economic indicators, he stresses that societal well-being is currently lacking.
Ursula von der Leyen informed Erdoğan that the upgrading of the Customs Union with the EU requires the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey wishes to enhance its trade relations with the EU, but Cyprus remains a key factor in this process. The Turkish demands for visa liberalization and energy dialogue are directly tied to the situation in Cyprus. The President of the Commission made it clear that negotiations cannot proceed if Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.