5 Minute News

The General Nursing Staff Branch of PASYDY is urging citizens to be cautious during the holidays to avoid accidents. The Accident and Emergency Departments are overcrowded, with patients waiting over 24 hours for a bed. There is also an issue with ambulances waiting outside the emergency departments. The safety of staff working in these departments remains a serious concern.

The Minister of Justice and Public Order has announced promotions within the police force, restoring the positions of Deputy Chiefs and Senior Inspectors. This decision follows a reassessment of annulled decisions by the Administrative Court. The announced promotions date back to 2020 and 2022, with potential future promotions expected. These changes aim to improve the police service.

Students from the Ikaros School were arrested outside Hagia Sophia while attempting to raise Greek flags. The incident occurred on December 21, when three Cypriots and two Greeks traveled to Istanbul without the necessary permits. Following the consulate's involvement, the detainees were released and returned to Greece. The incident had a positive outcome, avoiding serious consequences.

Today, a proposal was announced for the purchase of three Air Tractor firefighting aircraft and the rental of four others. Additionally, the proposal includes the purchase of up to five firefighting aircraft without maintenance services. The total estimated value of the purchase is around €44 million, with part of the funding coming from the European Union. This initiative is expected to strengthen Cyprus's firefighting capabilities until 2030.

The 49-year-old fugitive from Sweden was located and arrested near the clinic he escaped from. He had hidden in a construction site and was attempting to flee when the police apprehended him. Authorities are preparing for the extradition process to Sweden. A disciplinary investigation has been initiated regarding those responsible for his custody.

The Bank Association warns about the rise of online fraud during festive periods. Scammers often use fake claims of technical problems to gain access to citizens' accounts. The association advises the public to stay vigilant and not to respond to suspicious messages or calls. Awareness and caution are crucial for protecting their finances.

A 49-year-old inmate who escaped while under police guard in a private clinic in Larnaca has been arrested. The arrest was made by the police following a coordinated operation in the area. The fugitive was located and apprehended thanks to information utilized by the authorities.

Forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos has submitted a new request to the Supreme Court, seeking permission to file an appeal against a decision that rejected the annulment of the death investigation report for Thanasis Nicolaou. His application is based on the 1986 Lyra case and aims for the case to be examined by another court. If the request is denied, he plans to appeal to the European Court for violation of his right to be heard. The criminal investigation is ongoing, with a deadline for completion by 21/02/2025.

The Parliament accepted the Presidential referral of the law limiting cash transactions to €10,000. The referral was approved with 33 votes in favor, and the proposal was presented by Dimitris Dimitriou from DISY. The new law aimed to comply with a European regulation set to come into effect in 2027. However, it was found that technical amendments were necessary before the law could be implemented.

The House plenary accepted the President's referral concerning the law that limits cash transactions to €10,000. The law was approved with 29 votes in favor after recognizing a technical issue. The regulation pertaining to this matter will come into effect in 2027 in the EU. The proponent highlighted the importance of preventing the financial system's use for illegal activities.

Hans Jonny Uven, a 49-year-old wanted for multimillion-euro frauds, escaped from a guarded private clinic in Larnaca where he was hospitalized. He is being investigated for scams that could exceed 1 billion Swedish crowns. His escape has garnered extensive coverage in Swedish media. The investigation also includes searching for missing gold bars and a helicopter.

The Housing Scheme for young couples and individuals up to 41 years old will remain open for online applications until December 31, 2024. There is significant interest, with 163 valid applications submitted so far. The Minister of Interior announced that the scheme will be re-launched with modifications in January 2025. The aim is to better serve citizens based on the feedback received.

The Institutions Committee unanimously accepted the referral from the President for a limit on cash transactions set at €10,000. This law had previously been approved by the Parliament but included a reference to a European regulation effective from 2027. The Committee decided to remove the reference to the regulation to allow for immediate voting on the limit. The Plenary of the Parliament is meeting urgently to vote on this matter.

An officer from the Larnaca Police Department has been suspended following the escape of an inmate from a private clinic. The 49-year-old inmate managed to escape through a window after freeing himself from his handcuffs. The police are currently conducting a manhunt to locate him, as he had been arrested for serious financial crimes in Sweden. Authorities are seeking information from the public to help in his capture.

Investigations are ongoing for the 49-year-old man from Sweden who escaped from a clinic in Larnaca while in custody. The Police Chief has ordered a disciplinary investigation into the police officer responsible during the escape. The man, who was arrested on a European arrest warrant for financial crimes, managed to detach a metal piece from his bed and escape through the window. This incident raises questions about the conditions of his detention and the security of the facility.

The Ministry of Health has taken necessary measures due to the rising seasonal infections affecting the country. It has allocated beds in private hospitals to relieve public ones and reduce patient waiting times. Private clinics will provide immediate admission to patients related to these infections. The Ministry will continuously monitor the situation to ensure bed availability.

The police are continuing their search for a 49-year-old Swedish fugitive who escaped while receiving treatment at a private clinic in Larnaca. The man was being held under guard for extradition proceedings related to financial crimes. He managed to escape while handcuffed, prompting a manhunt for his capture. The police are asking the public for any information that could help locate him.

Fotini Tsiridou announced that she will not run for the vice-presidency of DISY, clarifying her position. She emphasized the need for party unity and the avoidance of internal conflicts during the internal election process. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with leadership and the party’s strategy, reaffirming her commitment to serving the community. The only candidate so far is Giannis Karousos.

Stefanos Stefanou, in an interview, discussed potential political collaborations for AKEL, proposing a cooperative platform for those wanting to tackle corruption and support a solution for Cyprus. While not excluding future meetings, he emphasized that any collaboration must be based on a political framework. In contrast, Odysseas Mihailidis suggested that the modernization of the state should come directly from civil society. This outlines the political discussion framework between them.

The real estate market in Cyprus is expected to slow down in 2025 due to new challenges post-pandemic. Moderate growth is anticipated as negative external factors are expected to balance out. Participants of the survey express cautious optimism about the market's future, with percentages indicating positive or stable assessments. High-interest rates are expected to decrease, and demand appears to be stabilizing.

The multifunctional Day Center 'H Panton Chara' serves teens under state care who exhibit delinquent behaviors and psychosocial difficulties. A similar program is planned to operate in Limassol by 2025. The center works with specialized professionals and the University of Cyprus to support teens in their reintegration into the community. Its aim is to provide individualized support and reduce the risk of recurrence of such behaviors.

The first visit of Kostas Kadis to Cyprus as the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans received positive reactions. During the meeting in Zygi, representatives of fishermen and aquaculturists discussed the challenges facing the sector, such as declining fish stocks and unfair competition. Kadis emphasized the importance of collaborating with professionals to shape policies. There was general satisfaction with his appointment and his initiative to listen to stakeholders in the sector.

The Environmental Authority is demanding an immediate halt to construction work on the wind farm in Kelli due to violations of environmental regulations. The work has proceeded against the terms stating that no improvements to the road network should be made. The evaluation process regarding changes to the ecological assessment terms is ongoing. An immediate suspension of work is requested from the construction company.

The government and the airport management company Hermes signed an agreement to implement the second phase of infrastructure works at Larnaca and Paphos airports. The projects are expected to be completed in 30 and 27 months respectively, providing a 70% increase in passenger capacity. The state will save 400 million euros in compensations while significant improvements in infrastructure are expected. The new agreement appears to be more favorable for the state compared to previous proposals.