The OPAP Joker draw took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The lucky numbers are 4, 5, 12, 38, 42, and the Joker number is 19. Winners will share a total amount of €3,300,000, while second category winners receive €100,000 each.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos met with European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Brussels. They discussed recent developments in the Cyprus issue, measures to support the Turkish Cypriot community, and bilateral relations with Israel. Kombos emphasized the importance of cooperation ahead of Cyprus's EU Presidency in 2026. The two sides exchanged views on regional developments and the implementation of the ceasefire with Hamas.
In the center of Nicosia, two foreigners were involved in a serious stabbing incident. One of them was injured and taken to the hospital, while the perpetrator was arrested by the police. The case is under investigation and the reasons behind the attack have not been clarified. The condition of the injured person remains uncertain.
The well-known businessman George K. Iliadis, son of the founder of Vassos Iliades Ltd, has passed away, causing sadness in the community. He served as the CEO of the company and was actively involved with APOEL, dedicating himself to the sports divisions of the club. In a statement, APOEL expressed its deepest condolences to his family. Vassos Eliades Ltd is one of the largest companies in Cyprus, recognized for its trust from multinational corporations.
Airlines Aegean, Olympic, Cyprus Airways, and SKY Express are affected by air traffic controllers' participation in a general strike in Greece. Many flights to and from Cyprus are canceled or modified, including specific changes for February 27 and March 1. Passengers will be notified of changes and have the option for free ticket changes. The airlines are offering extra flights to accommodate travelers.
A significant development is set to take place in Palodia, featuring the construction of a university, student dormitories, and a research center. The Environmental Authority has approved the project, conditional on adherence to environmental terms. The development will be executed in three phases, covering an area of approximately 310,352 square meters. The facilities will also include residential units, parking spaces, and commercial areas.
Electricity demand remains high, with critical hours between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM for potential power outages. A malfunction at Unit 1 of the Vasilikos Power Station is delaying full operation restoration. Authorities urge citizens to limit the use of electrical devices. Although temperatures are better, challenges in electricity supply continue.
The Fire Service has not determined a specific cause for the fire that claimed the lives of a family of five in Limassol. The report will be submitted to the police soon, but the extensive damage complicates the identification of the cause. Investigations are ongoing, including data from the Electrical and Mechanical Service. Once the investigations are complete, a report of findings will be prepared regarding the case.
The Initiative for a Human Engomi expresses its opposition to the construction of the new Macedonia Avenue by the Ministry of Transport. The project, planned since the 1970s, is considered incompatible with the principles of sustainable urban mobility. Residents are concerned that this construction will have serious negative impacts on their quality of life. The Initiative urges authorities to reconsider the plans that threaten the neighborhood.
The recent severe weather has damaged solar water heaters, particularly causing cracks in their glass. Experts recommend replacing the glass for better performance. Additionally, measures like maintaining water flow are suggested to prevent freezing. The quality of materials has improved, which has helped reduce the extent of damage.
Farmers, especially potato growers, have suffered significant damage due to extreme cold, despite their frost protection efforts. Pictures show the extent of the damage, which is expected to be substantial. The situation primarily affects early and mid-season crops in various regions. Damages will impact potato exports and increase prices in the domestic market.
The Court of Appeals dismissed the Attorney General's appeal and confirmed the acquittal of 10 defendants in the case of the Strovolos Cooperative. The defendants were found not to have committed the alleged crimes, which included serious charges such as conspiracy and forgery. This ruling concludes the legal proceedings related to the collapse of the Cooperative. The charges were filed in 2017 for crimes reportedly committed in 2008.
Nicosia recorded its lowest temperature since 1983, dropping to -3.7°C. The previous record was set in 1985 at -3.3°C. While temperatures are low currently, improvements are expected in the coming days. By Saturday, temperatures are predicted to return to normal levels.
A mother from Paphos reported an incident of school bullying, claiming her son was locked in a storage room by classmates during recess. The student was confined for 15 minutes before informing his parents. The school administration has imposed disciplinary measures on the student allegedly responsible. The police and the Ministry of Education are investigating the case.
Former Auditor General Odysseas Michailidis accuses the Government of attempting to cover up mistakes regarding the Paphos – Polis Chrysochous motorway by signing new contracts. He raises concerns about the safety of the design and the approval of a deviation that increases the road's slope. Michailidis points out that these construction choices could make the road more dangerous for drivers, as speeds may become hazardous. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to international standards for roadway safety and comfort.
A 38-year-old man was pulled unconscious from the sea at the old port of Limassol on Monday night. He was spotted by a store employee and others who alerted the authorities. An officer provided CPR, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The man was from Russia.
Last night, Cyprus's electrical system faced a crisis as electricity demand surged, prompting the Transmission System Operator to prepare for emergency outages. However, AHK engineers successfully synchronized production units, preventing any power cuts. Despite their efforts, the system operates without sufficient reserves, leaving the future uncertain. Tomorrow's situation depends on the system's ability to function without disconnections.
Volodymyr Zelensky is facing challenges from the Ukrainian parliament, which did not support him in a vote aimed at reaffirming his authority. The resolution received 218 votes but needed 226 to pass, with several members from his party abstaining. Questions about his legitimacy have also emerged from Donald Trump, who called Zelensky a 'dictator.' These developments put potential international agreements and collaborations at risk.
The discussion about imposing term limits on state and party positions will be the main theme of the Democratic Party's conference scheduled for March. This decision emerged after the European elections and aims at the party's reconstruction, as internal dissent is growing. Additionally, discussions will include proposals for the party's policies. The conference will last two days, with the first focusing on political issues and the second on constitutional matters.
The Ministry of Finance's bill to abolish multiple pensions is facing strong opposition from all political parties. Even governing allies are expressing disagreement and dissatisfaction over the lack of substantial consultation from the ministry. As a result, the approval of the bill by Parliament seems very difficult. The discussion on the issue will continue in the next session of the Finance Committee.
The statistics on fires in Cyprus are alarming, with 15 fatalities in 26 months mostly due to faulty devices and carelessness. The Fire Service has noted an increase in incidents related to heating systems, and many victims are homeless individuals trying to stay warm. Both 2023 and 2024 have seen numerous fire-related deaths in residential areas. The situation is concerning, with 69 people having been rescued, but this year appears to be the worst so far.
The court case of a 64-year-old neurosurgeon accused of misusing his son's contract to provide medical services while his own contract with the health system was suspended is ongoing. The son, who lives abroad, maintained a contract with the health system and reportedly communicated with patients about the services provided. The case also includes charges of interference in legal proceedings and involves an amount of around €40,000. A total of four individuals, including the father and son, are facing charges.
The Municipality of Larnaca has received positive results from consultations with the University of Athens, which plans to establish three faculties in the city. This decision has brought satisfaction and development is expected to proceed quickly. Additionally, there are discussions with the National Technical University of Athens and a Drama School is also planned in Larnaca. Preparations for the facilities of the new faculties are underway.
The bill for providing community and home nursing care services is set to be discussed in the Health Committee of the Parliament. Its aim is to facilitate patients who have mobility issues and need nursing care without being hospitalized. Its approval is considered essential for the improvement of healthcare in Cyprus and the regulation of nursing services. The lack of legislation has created gaps and allows private companies to operate without oversight.
Tomorrow, educational organizations will receive the financial analysis of the new teacher evaluation system proposed by the Ministry of Education. The Minister of Education stated that the final proposal regarding the financial aspect is expected by Friday. The teachers' union is awaiting clarifications on certain points of the presented proposal. The Ministry aims for consensus to move forward with the new evaluation system.