Donald Trump welcomed Emmanuel Macron to the White House to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump indicated that he expects President Zelensky to visit Washington for negotiations regarding rare earth minerals. He mentioned that a peaceful resolution could be achieved soon if negotiators are smart. Macron emphasized the necessity for a long-term peace in the region.
The power supply was threatened due to high consumption and low electricity production. AHK engineers managed to synchronize two units, avoiding disconnections of properties. The power supply situation appears to be stabilizing, although future production needs remain uncertain.
A 46-year-old Moldovan man who was flagged as a terrorist was interrogated and subsequently released due to a lack of evidence against him. Police conducted searches at his home in Nicosia but found nothing suspicious. The alert at Larnaca Airport lasted about three hours, with the airport closing for ten minutes. The flight he was on was diverted for security reasons.
Electricity cuts are set to begin in Cyprus due to excessive demand. The outages will last for half an hour and will affect different areas. There is an effort to exempt mountainous regions from these cuts. The situation has worsened due to low electricity production from wind farms.
Two minors suffered burns in a fire incident in Limassol. The 14-year-old has severe burns on his legs and is expected to be transferred to a burn intensive care unit, while the 13-year-old sustained light burns on his hand. The fire was ignited when the minors lit a barrel containing flammable material. Authorities are investigating the incident.
A new malfunction at the power station in Vasilikos has reduced electricity production capacity. The situation is uncertain for meeting demand tonight, as consumption is likely to be higher than that of the weekend. Caution is needed, as power disconnections may occur if consumption increases. The situation is complicated by the lack of output from wind farms.
The Meteorological Service has issued a yellow warning for extremely low temperatures effective from 10 PM Monday till 7 AM Tuesday. The minimum expected temperatures are -2°C in the interior and -9°C in higher mountainous areas. Citizens are advised to be cautious due to the hazardous conditions the cold may create, particularly for vulnerable groups. The weather is expected to change in the coming days with local rain and snowfall in mountainous regions.
The recent fire in Limassol was likely caused by a cigarette, as indicated by investigations from the Engineering and Fire Department. All other possible causes, such as electrical issues, have been ruled out. Findings show that the death of 33-year-old Menelaos Christodoulides was due to smoke inhalation. Further inquiries continue regarding whether the cigarette fell onto a power cord.
The Sklavenitis group is advancing its plans in Cyprus, aiming to capture the second position in the market and implement investments. Renovations of nine Papantoniou chain stores are currently underway, expected to be completed by 2025. With these additions, Sklavenitis will have 27 sales points in Cyprus. The target is to achieve a turnover of 400 million euros by the end of this year.
33-year-old Menelaos Christodoulidis died from inhaling soot, according to the autopsy findings. The examination was conducted by forensic experts Angeliki Papetta and Orthodox Orthodoxou at the General Hospital of Nicosia. Samples have been taken for laboratory tests that are expected soon. These tests will help clarify the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
The alert at Larnaca airport ended after three hours when a suspect was removed from a flight arriving from Moldova. The 104 passengers were checked and disembarked safely afterward. The suspect is being interrogated by police, and an investigation is underway to determine if he poses a danger. Aviation authorities followed safety protocols throughout the situation.
The old GSP area in Nicosia has been renovated into an impressive space that will serve thousands of people. The renovation includes a small amphitheater with a large screen, various event halls, and underground parking. The project, costing over 19 million euros, features a restored old clock. The area will also host restaurants, cafes, and will always be open for the public.
The Mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos, accused President Christodoulides of wrongfully influencing the allocation of a building from the former Cooperative to another service instead of the Paphos Municipality. The Municipality's request to rent the building received a negative response, raising concerns. Phaedonos also mentioned ongoing issues regarding the allocation of state land for the construction of university facilities. Local governance seems to be excluded from these allocations.
Authorities have completed their investigations at the home of 33-year-old Menelaos Christodoulides, who was found charred in Limassol. The Electrical and Mechanical Services are exploring the causes of the tragedy, with findings aligning with those of the Fire Service. Important evidence has been collected, including a power strip used by the victim. Investigations are ongoing with the collaboration of the relevant authorities.
The president of ETEK, Konstantinos Konstantinou, warns that the lack of affordable housing may pose serious risks to citizens, following recent fire tragedies. He suggests specific measures, such as improving building inspections and launching an awareness campaign for the safe use of electrical appliances. He also emphasizes the need for support for the financially struggling and the importance of cooperation with the Ministry of Welfare. Concerns about energy poverty threaten many families.
Authorities at Larnaca Airport are on high alert after a plane arriving from Moldova has been directed to a special area for inspection. This action was taken due to information regarding a suspicious passenger on board. Checks are currently ongoing to ensure safety. More details will follow shortly.
The police in Nicosia are investigating the origin of a large sum of money found in a residence. A 33-year-old woman was arrested for illegal possession of property after a safe containing €126,360 was discovered hidden in her bathroom. She could not provide sufficient explanations for the origin of the money and was taken to the offices of the drug squad. She was released to be summoned later.
A housekeeper was taken to the hospital after a fire broke out in an apartment in Zakaki, Limassol. The fire occurred in the morning, and in her panic to escape, the woman jumped from the first-floor balcony. The incident has raised concerns, and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Two fire trucks responded to the scene to extinguish the flames.
Israeli airlines are set to resume flights to Paphos after a ban that has been in place since January. While there has not yet been an official lifting of the ban, aviation officials indicate that flights will return soon. EL AL has already started selling tickets for Paphos for March, while other airlines plan to restart flights in April.
Today, the cold air mass Coral is influencing the weather, which will initially be partly cloudy but will become mainly clear later in the day. The temperature will rise to 10 degrees inland and 12 degrees along the coast. In the evening, low temperatures are expected with frost in the mountainous areas. From Tuesday, the weather will remain mostly cloudy, with a chance of rain and snowfall in the mountains.
Finance Minister Makis Keraunos announced a tax reform that includes an increase in the tax-free income and tax breaks for individuals and businesses. The reform, which will be presented on February 26, aims for a fairer distribution of the tax burden and incentives for the labor market. Additionally, there will be compensatory measures for green taxation. Finally, supplementary health plans for public employees will be implemented.
The expansion of Larnaca International Airport has received approval and is expected to be completed in 30 months. It will increase the airport's capacity by 65% and will contribute to the development of tourism in Cyprus. The works include the construction of new infrastructures and will provide modern and environmentally friendly facilities. The final facilities are set to be ready by 2027.
The discussion regarding the new teacher evaluation system proposed by the Ministry of Education begins today. Educational organizations will receive information about the cost of the proposal. The Progressive Teachers' Movement expressed serious objections, labeling the proposal as unacceptable. They emphasize the need for dialogue and suggestions to achieve a more modern and meritocratic evaluation system.
The Ministry of Justice has introduced a bill that protects journalists and NGO members from malicious lawsuits. Its goal is to provide legal guarantees against clearly groundless legal procedures. The bill introduces rules for the early dismissal of such cases and allows NGO representatives to participate in trials. It is expected to be adopted by May 2026.
Citizens with problematic electrical installations are urged to call technicians for inspection. The new bill regarding the oversight of electrical installations is back in discussion after a tragedy in Limassol but will take months to be adopted. The former Minister of Transport had submitted a bill that upset the Electricity Authority's exclusivity on the initial inspection. Private electricians are advocating for the assessment of installations due to the stalled progress on the new legislation.
A new tragedy strikes Limassol as 33-year-old Menelaos Christodoulidis was found burned alive due to a fire in his home. The city is still reeling from a previous deadly fire. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and have taken statements from witnesses. The victim's bedroom was filled with thick smoke before the fire broke out.
Carnival offers us opportunities to express ourselves through costumes. Psychologist Anthia Christodoulou Theofili explains that we each carry within us three different aspects of ourselves: the parent, the adult, and the child. The way we choose our costumes can reveal aspects of our identity, particularly our internal expression. However, our 'inner critic' may limit our freedom to fully participate in the carnival.
According to the new bill, three categories of clinics will be allowed to operate in hospitals in Cyprus, including university clinics. The requirements for a hospital to be recognized as a university hospital include having at least four out of five key medical specialties. The progress will depend on the success of the sessions of the Parliamentary Health Committee. The Health Minister has stated that this initiative could facilitate the operation of university clinics in Cyprus.