President Nikos Christodoulides congratulated Friedrich Merz on his victory in the recent German elections. According to the BBC, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is expected to secure about 29% of the votes, making it the leading party. The far-right AfD is in second place, while Olaf Scholz's SPD has faced significant losses. Negotiations to form a government will begin soon, posing challenges for the process.
The Joker draw held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, had a total prize of €3,042,878. One or more winners will share this amount, while second category winners will each receive €100,000. The drawn numbers are: 5, 42, 7, 38, 25, with the Joker number being 3.
A tragic incident occurred in Limassol when a fire broke out in a house, leading to the death of a 32-year-old man. His brother, Menelaos Christodoulides, called for help after finding him unconscious in thick smoke. A video posted on social media shows the moments right after the fire erupted, with fire trucks arriving at the scene. Investigations into the causes of the fire are set to continue in the coming days.
The visit of Cyprus' Foreign Minister, Konstantinos Koumou, to Damascus surprised many and raised concerns in Turkey. This visit demonstrates that smaller states can influence international politics through strategic partnerships. The new Syrian regime seems to be pursuing a multi-faceted foreign policy, including good relations with Cyprus and Israel. Cyprus can act as a bridge among key players in the region.
A complaint has been filed against a gynecologist accused of being responsible for the death of a 37-year-old woman from cancer. Her family claims that the doctor provided a misdiagnosis, leading to a deterioration in her health. The case involves communications indicating that her test results were conveyed as normal despite the presence of a serious illness. Legal actions are anticipated to continue for further investigation.
The Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, responds to the former Auditor General, Odysseas Michailidis, regarding criticism of the government's housing policy. He argues that providing urban planning incentives promotes the construction of affordable housing and strengthens the construction sector. He states that collaboration between the public and private sectors is necessary to increase housing units. He describes the criticisms of his policy as unfair and nihilistic.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats, stated that his party won the elections, gathering 29% of the votes according to the exit polls. He thanked voters for their trust and emphasized the need for a swift formation of a governing coalition. He highlighted that the new government must be able to function based on the majority. The exit polls indicated CDU at 28.5%, AfD at 20%, and SPD at 16.5%.
Odysseas Michaelides, former General Auditor, criticizes the Interior Minister for the government's inadequate housing policy, claiming it serves only developers. He believes the government overlooks citizens and focuses on communication shows. He proposes three specific solutions for the housing crisis, including utilizing existing housing stock and supporting small contractors. He urges citizens to demand a better government for Cyprus.
Nicosia is currently experiencing the lowest temperatures in Southern Europe, reaching 7 degrees Celsius. This matches the temperature of Warsaw, which typically has a colder climate. In comparison, other European capitals are enjoying significantly warmer weather. These conditions indicate a severe cold wave affecting the region.
The cold in Cyprus has become particularly intense, with Limassol recording the lowest temperatures. The new port of Limassol reached zero degrees (0°C), while in Prodromos, the temperature dropped to -9 degrees. The situation affects many cities across Cyprus, with temperatures varying significantly. Citizens are on alert for the upcoming cold nights.
A fire broke out in a house in Limassol during the afternoon, with the Fire Service responding promptly with three vehicles. Fire incidents have recently increased in the area, with 30 occurrences in the past 24 hours. Other fires causing damage to residences are also being highlighted. The community is still in shock from the tragedy in Limassol, where four family members lost their lives in a previous fire.
There is an increase in electricity demand today, Sunday, but the supply remains adequate. The peak demand yesterday reached 1,017 MW, and a slightly lower peak of 970 MW is expected today. Typically, demand decreases on weekends, but the conditions for electricity supply remain favorable. Additionally, there was electricity supplied from the free areas to the occupied areas.
The electrical interconnection of Cyprus with Europe and energy storage units will not solve the problem of cuts in photovoltaics. Even with these infrastructures, energy cuts remain necessary for the security of the network. Conventional production must always be operational, regardless of renewable production. Overall, cuts in green energy will continue, but the rate of rejection may be adjustable.
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a significant new player in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East regions. The ongoing instability and recent events in Syria and Lebanon highlight its role with a fresh narrative. These developments could potentially shift the balance of power in the area.
The Meteorological Department has issued a new orange warning for very low temperatures expected to drop to -10 degrees Celsius in the mountainous areas tonight. The warning is effective from 10 PM until 8 AM on Monday. Winds will be light to moderate, with possible local snowfalls under partially cloudy skies. Tomorrow, the weather will start partially cloudy but will gradually improve.
Since October 2, 2024, a total of 432 planning applications have been submitted, with 300 already reviewed. The fast-tracking of licensing aims to increase housing supply and reduce housing costs in the area. Interior Minister Konstantinos IOannou confirmed that the new system is working effectively, with necessary permits now issued in 40 working days. This indicates progress in development and improvement of the licensing process.
Anita Dimitriou is facing one of the biggest challenges of her political career as she prepares for the parliamentary elections. This period is critical for the Democratic Party and her leadership, necessitating decisiveness and stability. Many party members recognize the need for strategic actions. The situation within the party is complex and demands understanding and action from Dimitriou.
The Minister of Finance announced a new supplementary health plan for public employees. The plan will operate alongside the General Healthcare System (GeSY), covering services not provided by it. Simultaneously, tax reforms will aim for a fair distribution of the tax burden. The minister highlights the need to address issues related to GeSY's expenditures.
Turkey is trying to enhance its influence in the region following developments in Ukraine and Syria. Its strategic ambitions are causing concern for Cyprus and Greece, as a potential institutional presence in Ukraine could affect the Cyprus issue. The stance of the U.S., under the new president Donald Trump, also impacts these matters, prioritizing other fronts. Turkey seeks ways to legitimize its strategy in the region.
Germany is preparing for significant federal elections, with Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats as the leading candidate, though recent polls indicate a decline in support for him. Forming a government appears challenging, with the Social Democrats and the Free Democrats facing issues regarding their parliamentary entry. The participation of the Free Democrats will be crucial for the government coalition, and various coalition options are being considered. The situation will clarify with exit polls on Sunday afternoon.
Starting Tuesday, there will be a slight retreat from the cold wave affecting the area, although temperatures will remain low. Snowfall is expected even in lowland areas, but it won't change the dry conditions of February. Today's weather will be mainly clear with some local clouds and possible snowfall in the mountainous regions. Temperatures will range from 6 to 11 degrees Celsius, with strong frost in the higher altitudes.