A raid was conducted on the security company that provided videos related to the train disaster in Tempi. The police are verifying the authenticity of the material submitted to the prosecutor, as the victims' relatives express doubts. The videos have been delivered to the appellate prosecutor, while the victims' families await confirmation of their authenticity. Suspicions have arisen that some frames are missing and that the videos may have been tampered with.
Proposed changes to sick leave regulations in the public sector will reduce the annual sick leave from 42 to 28 days. Unions are expressing strong objections and are calling for consultations, despite the government's assurance that the changes are justified. The new model encourages responsible use of sick leave and has already been approved by the Cabinet. However, there are concerns regarding the protection of employees' rights.
Starting tomorrow, February 11, 2025, no vehicle registration or transfer will be allowed without proof that there are no pending recalls. The Minister of Transport has adopted a new regulation to prevent the circulation of defective vehicles. Certificates will be provided for both new and used vehicles. This process aims to improve owners' awareness regarding vehicle recalls.
Averof Neofytou emphasizes the need for decisive negotiations on the Cyprus issue, viewing it through the lens of patriotic realism and genuine will. He points out that time is limited and indecisions can no longer be tolerated. He urges the President to dare to proceed with determination, avoiding blame avoidance. Solving the issue requires trust and a decisive approach in the final negotiations.
The Chairman of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), George Petrou, stated that reducing electricity prices can only be achieved through the installation of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). For many years, the EAC was excluded from the RES market, which delays the goal of lowering energy costs. However, it has recently secured a license for 600 megawatts of solar panels and is working on energy storage for RES. Petrou emphasized that private sector involvement is crucial for the success of the project.
The installation of speed cameras has begun at the intersection where a serious traffic accident occurred. The cameras are expected to be operational by early March 2025. Additionally, cameras will be removed from other locations in Nicosia to be relocated to the new site. The installation of these cameras is a safety measure aimed at preventing future accidents.
The Court of Appeal has decided to release a lawyer and a police officer under conditions, who are alleged to be involved in the escape of a Swede. The judges' decision was based on evidence indicating that the accused have strong ties to Cyprus. The release conditions include a cash deposit and the surrender of travel documents. Importantly, both will appear at the Criminal Court tomorrow to plead guilty or not to the charges against them.
The President of the Republic reiterated his readiness to meet with Mr. Tatar either today or tomorrow during a discussion with UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo. The proposals he submitted relate to the preparation for the multilateral conference. The President emphasizes the importance of discussion and structure for a positive outcome in negotiations. Ms. DiCarlo informed that she will have meetings in Athens and Ankara in the coming days.
Child sexual abuse is a serious issue, with 70 individuals under monitoring for sexual offenses against minors. Minister of Justice Marios Hartsiotis stated that authorities provide psychological and social support to convicted individuals to help with their reintegration into society. The Monitoring Authority for Convicted Sexual Offenders against Minors has been in operation since 2014. The Ministry of Justice plans amendments to improve the functioning of this Authority.
The medication Seroquel XR will be back in Cyprus pharmacies by February 14, after being unavailable for six months. The Health Insurance Organization confirmed its availability following concerns raised by patients with psychiatric conditions. Many of these patients reached critical states due to the abrupt discontinuation of the medication. The procurement procedures are coordinated with the Ministry of Health to address such shortages.
Ersin Tatar announced that the informal multilateral meeting in Geneva is set to take place on March 17-18. The participation of Turkey, Greece, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom is planned, with Tatar emphasizing the importance of sovereign equality. He also highlighted the rights of Turkish Cypriots and the need to improve relations and lift restrictions. He concluded that the adjustment of set conditions is necessary for the start of official negotiations.
The Audit Service revealed that a Turkish Cypriot obtained five passports using different photographs. Additionally, there are delays in citizenship applications, with 11,891 cases pending. There is also a problem with monitoring foreigners whose residence permits have expired. This situation increases the risk of illegal residence in Cyprus.
A major operation in Larnaca uncovered a serious cigarette smuggling ring involving Israeli suspects. Authorities seized over 10,503 boxes of cigarettes worth more than €500,000. The arrested individuals were brought to court, while investigations are ongoing to determine any additional accomplices. This case is considered one of the largest the Customs Department has dealt with in recent years.
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the current status quo cannot be the solution to the Cyprus issue during his meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo. He emphasized the readiness to present proposals at the expanded meeting in March. DiCarlo expressed the UN Secretary-General's support for the process and her anticipation for the upcoming talks.
After years of concern over the toxicity of dichloromethane from the Astrasol factory, the removal of chemical waste has finally begun. Ioannis Kailis, a resident and cancer victim, expresses his worries about the hazardous materials. The process is expected to be completed soon with the assistance of a specialized company and strict safety measures in place.
A new surveillance software, Graphite, has been linked to spying cases in Europe, including targets in Cyprus and Greece. The Italian government revealed that at least 90 individuals, including journalists and NGO members, were being monitored. Paragon Solutions, the maker of Graphite, announced it is halting its cooperation with Italy. Targets were notified via WhatsApp about their phones being compromised.
Five Israelis were arrested in Larnaca following a major operation by the Police and Customs Department. The individuals were preparing to transport thousands of cigarette boxes purchased from the occupied territories, intending to sell them in Israel. Authorities are investigating any potential involvement of others in the free areas. Various items, cash, cigarettes, and drugs were seized during the searches.
The official report regarding the Train crash in Tempi is expected to be published on February 27th. The investigation evaluates the causes of the accident and the necessary changes for the Greek railway system. The report is expected to confirm serious mistakes, as two trains were on the same line. The head of the investigation collaborated with European organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Turkey's behavior in the Middle East is causing concern among EU leaders, who are closely watching developments in Syria. Erdogan seems keen on controlling the situation in Syria, which has drawn attention from other Arab states like Saudi Arabia. European leaders express worries about Erdogan's ambitions, which go beyond merely supporting the new status quo in Syria. Turkey aims for broader dominance in the Muslim world, which does not leave the region's powerful players indifferent.
Donald Trump announced that he will impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. These tariffs are part of his trade policy and will take effect almost immediately. During a flight on Air Force One, Trump discussed the possibility of announcing reciprocal tariffs. Additionally, he expressed the U.S. desire to acquire the Gaza Strip.
This week, the weather will be mainly cloudy with scattered rain and snow in the mountainous areas, particularly in Troodos. Temperatures will range around 15 degrees in the interior and about 3 degrees in higher altitudes, where there is a chance of frost. The road conditions require caution as roads leading to Troodos are open only for vehicles equipped with snow chains. The Police advises adherence to traffic regulations to avoid accidents.
The real estate market is undergoing a technological transformation, with thirty-somethings and forty-somethings preferring virtual tours. Technologies like 3D photography and online tours are reshaping the buying process. Millennials are adopting these new technologies, influencing the market significantly. Artificial intelligence also plays an important role in this emerging trend.
The proposal from the Ministry of Education regarding teacher evaluations has sparked significant reactions. Specifically, educators are concerned about the proposed abolition of the list of eligible appointees and are calling for immediate proposals that include their opinions. The Cyprus General Representatives Council expresses its opposition and emphasizes the need to maintain the list of eligible appointees and correct distortions in the new appointment system. They also highlight the necessity for prompt decisions from the Ministry of Education.
President Christodoulides is preparing proposals for progress on the Cyprus issue ahead of an informal multilateral conference in Geneva in March. His suggestions aim to demonstrate the willingness of the Greek Cypriot side for dialogue and cooperation. UN Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo is in Cyprus to meet with the leaders and assess the situation. The discussions will focus on advancing the negotiation process.
Cyprus is moving towards allowing 17-year-olds to vote, enabling around 7,000 youths to participate in the 2026 elections. President Nicos Christodoulides calls this move a strengthening of participatory democracy. However, there are concerns about the political maturity of young voters and a possible increase in voter abstention. Political analysts emphasize the need for engagement among young voters, although their voting rights are not expected to significantly change the political landscape.
Saving behavior varies with age, with younger and older individuals saving less. According to Eurostat data, households in Cyprus have the highest saving rate among those aged 75 and above. For those under 35, the saving rate is only 18.9%. The analysis highlights the connection between age and saving capacity, showing that younger age groups tend to have lower saving rates compared to older groups.