There will be lane closures on the Limassol-Nicosia highway this weekend. The fast lane will be closed from Friday night until Sunday morning due to maintenance work. Drivers are advised to be cautious and to follow the instructions provided. Additionally, work will also take place on other roads in Nicosia.
A university student in London is accused of raping 10 women, with only two having been identified so far. He allegedly used drugs or alcohol to incapacitate his victims and recorded the attacks. The charges include rape, voyeurism, and drug possession. The case came to light after a woman reported it in May 2023.
The police in Limassol arrested a 22-year-old man following disturbances that occurred outside a stadium during a handball match. The suspect faces charges of public disorder and illegal assembly, with additional arrest warrants issued for three others. Approximately 100 fans gathered, some armed with bats and wearing masks. Thanks to the police intervention, more serious incidents and injuries were averted.
The discussion in the Education Committee of the Parliament regarding the bill for foreign language undergraduate programs at public universities prompted intense disagreements. Supporters argue that it's necessary for internationalization, while opponents worry about the degradation of public schools. Various MPs and representatives express differing views on the implications of enforcing the law. The matter will proceed to the Plenary of the Parliament for final decisions.
The Government of Cyprus announced plans to expand the Digital Transformation in 2025. The new electronic services aim to reduce bureaucracy and enhance transparency, such as speeding up building permits and automating social security processes. Additionally, the 'Digital Citizen' platform will be supported with new digital documents. The goal is to improve the competitiveness of the economy.
President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the need to upgrade Cyprus's air and naval bases to enhance security. He also announced plans for the voluntary enlistment of women and partnerships with Cypriot companies in the defense industry. Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026, promoting its role as a bridge in the region. Internal security measures will also be strengthened with improvements in the police force and legislative actions against fan violence.
The President of the Republic presented the government plan for 2025, which includes reforms aimed at improving the relationship between citizens and the state. The goal is for Cyprus to become a modern and effective state with reliability and dignity. Measures were also presented to enhance governance and improve the legal system, based on recommendations from the FBI. The President emphasized the need to combat corruption and restore the country's reputation.
The Cypriot government is planning significant tax and pension reforms for 2025, aiming to support the middle class and businesses. Tax exemptions will enhance disposable income and aid development. Additionally, compensation for impaired depositors will begin, along with support programs for youth and new businesses. Efforts to address housing issues will also intensify, backed by a new budget of 75 million euros.
On the Limassol-Nicosia highway near Germasogeia, two road collisions caused significant traffic delays in the evening. Six vehicles were involved in the accident, and eight individuals were taken to the hospital for medical examinations. The left lane towards Nicosia and the right lane towards Limassol are closed to traffic. The police are on-site for traffic management and investigation of the accident's circumstances.
The software of the General Health System has malfunctioned again, causing delays in patient service. Doctors are expressing concerns as entering prescriptions and referrals has become difficult. The restoration of the software is underway and it is expected to be back in operation soon. Such malfunctions create significant issues for overnight pharmacies.
President Nikos Christodoulides presented the policies and actions for the Annual Governance Plan for 2025. These policies aim to improve the daily lives of citizens, focusing on accountability and transparency. The President emphasized the importance of a common vision and realistic policies for the progress of Cyprus. The presentation is conducted live for the public.
The investigation team of the Limassol CID is looking into the incidents that took place near the Apollo indoor stadium involving fans of Omonia 29M. Surveillance cameras are being reviewed to identify those involved, and arrest warrants have been requested. Despite police intervention, hooliganism remains an issue as fans from Nicosia caused disturbances. A police officer was also injured during the clashes.
The police made three arrests before the Anorthosis – Apollon match after finding three individuals writing slogans. The arrests were made by a crowd control team during the match's security efforts. The suspects were found to have spray cans, and strict security measures were implemented outside the stadium. These measures include barriers and railings to prevent clashes between the fans of the two teams.
Two foreign nationals are charged in connection with the death of a 24-year-old from Pakistan in Potamia. The Cameroonian and the Iranian face serious charges including attempted murder and actions resulting in serious bodily harm. Their trial is set to begin on March 18. The charges could lead to prison sentences of up to life imprisonment.
A 21-year-old was found guilty of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in the presence of her friends. The incidents occurred in 2023 in the Limassol district and caused significant outrage. The accused had been free under certain conditions until the court's decision, which ordered his detention until sentencing. The next hearing is scheduled for early February.
Starting Monday, patients will see increases for 181 medications and decreases for 126 through the General Health System. The revision of the drug pricing list in Cyprus occurs annually, affecting contribution costs. Citizens can check for changes either online or through their pharmacists. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that patients have the right to choose the cheapest medication in each category.
Following Eurobank's acquisition of the Hellenic Bank, concerns about job cuts have resurfaced. The bank has not officially announced any layoffs, but organizational changes are expected. The last voluntary exit plan was announced in November 2022, and there's been an increase in personnel expenses in 2023. The details regarding compensation remain unclear.
Around 100 supporters of Omonia 29M caused unrest during a handball match in Limassol, wearing masks and carrying bats. The police responded by using tear gas to prevent clashes. During the intervention, one officer was slightly injured. The situation was tense, but police forces remained alert.
In the upcoming draw of the Joker, at least €19,500,000 will be shared among the winners of the first category. In the 2864th draw, two lucky tickets were found in the second category, each winning €100,000. The draw will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The analysis focuses on the 71,330 votes received by Fidia Panagiotou in the recent European elections and how these votes may be distributed in the upcoming parliamentary elections. There are uncertain intentions from voters who chose alternative parties, and electoral analysts ponder whether they will stick to their new choices or return to traditional parties. Voter turnout in the European elections was higher compared to previous elections, adding uncertainty to the electoral landscape. A key aspect is how these votes will be directed and whether they will influence the election outcome in May 2026.
Nikolas Christodoulides is preparing to present his government's goals for 2025 in a presidential address tonight. The leadership of DISY is planning a frontal attack against Christodoulides in an effort to gain ground against AKEL. The presidency is keeping announcements secret to prevent the opposition from criticizing before the President's speech. The Christodoulides government is under scrutiny from DISY, as the latter gets ready for a vigorous critique.
The leaders of Cyprus are planning a meeting for next week ahead of Rosemary DiCarlo's visit to the island. The negotiations are focused on the issues of checkpoints and relations between the two sides. Ersin Tatar stated that his proposal for opening new crossing points could potentially contribute to resolving the Cyprus issue. Expectations from the upcoming meetings are low, but significant developments are anticipated.
Hellenic Healthcare Group is planning to expand its services in Cyprus following the majority acquisition by PureHealth. The company aims to invest in new medical centers and hospitals throughout Cyprus. Furthermore, this partnership could boost medical tourism on the island by offering specialized treatments to patients and improved services. Collaboration with PureHealth will provide healthcare facilities in Cyprus access to advanced medical technologies.
Fears regarding security related to the Israeli embassy in Cyprus have increased following reports suggesting warnings to Israeli citizens. The embassy firmly denied these claims, labeling them as false and misleading. Despite the concerns, the official statement emphasizes that there were no instructions for self-protection measures. This incident highlights the importance of verifying information before publication.
Illegal patient charges by doctors seem to have become a common practice in the General Health System. Numerous complaints about such practices have been recorded in recent years, escalating continuously. Several doctors are demanding money to serve their patients more quickly, even during working hours. This situation concerns patients and authorities, as there seems to be no improvement.
The Ministry of Transport is implementing a name and shame practice for distributors who refuse to cooperate with vehicle recalls. So far, 84,000 vehicles have been identified as affected by the recall. The Ministry is looking at ways to speed up the replacement of defective Takata airbags with the help of other licensed mechanics and electricians. This practice is expected to be applied pending legal approval.