5 Minute News

The Democratic Party is planning radical changes that include granting voting rights to non-members in internal party elections. This move aims to enhance democratic processes and open up to society. However, there are concerns about the implementation and oversight of the electoral system. Additionally, a term limit for state offices is proposed, with exceptions for the party president.

Players from Middle Eastern countries can visit Cyprus and gamble in casinos in the occupied territories while declaring their winnings at customs. During a parliamentary committee meeting, lawmakers expressed concerns about money controls and the potential inequality that could arise if certain players are exempt from cash limits. The proposal to amend the regime does not seem to gain traction. The situation is complex and requires compliance with the law.

The Health Insurance Organization (OAY) is in a difficult position regarding the potential hiring of Christina Giannaki, the director general of the Ministry of Health, to manage the patient referral program abroad. The decision has been postponed due to strong backlash and public outcry. The board met urgently to discuss alternative solutions, including a proposal from the Patients' Associations Federation to transfer the Subsidized Patients Department. The final decision is set to be made tomorrow morning before the Parliamentary Health Committee meeting.

The Cabinet decided to dissolve the Board of the English School, prioritizing the smooth operation of the School and the interests of the student community. A new Board was appointed, chaired by Nikolaos Kyriakidis, including professionals from various sectors. This decision was made with the support of the Advisory Council. The overall goal is to ensure the best educational environment for students.

The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr. Murat Nurtleu, experienced delays in arriving in Cyprus due to Turkish intervention. Turkey did not allow his state aircraft to fly through its airspace because of its destination. Consequently, he had to travel on a private flight, and his scheduled visit to Ankara was canceled. The relationship between Cyprus and Kazakhstan appears to have upset Turkey.

Helector, convicted for bribery involving €1.2 million, continues to hold a contract with the state for waste management. The mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos, expressed his disappointment, labeling the state as a banana republic. Despite the conviction and imposed penalties, the company seems to be rewarded with contract renewals. This situation has sparked strong reactions and questions about public management.

During the trial of Rula Pispirigkou, the prosecutor stated that the accused showed no sorrow for the death of her daughter, Malena. Instead, her only concern was the cause of death that the coroner would record. The prosecutor also challenged claims of medical errors and emphasized that Pispirigkou's behavior after Malena's death did not align with the mourning process.

On the afternoon of March 4th, dense dust from the Middle East reached Limassol, affecting visibility and breathing. Satellite images illustrate the evolution of the dust phenomenon over time. Despite the initial high concentrations, dust levels are expected to gradually decrease starting Thursday. The weather will be mostly clear with some dust persisting in the atmosphere.

The Cabinet approved financial aid of €3.8 million for farmers affected by bad weather in 2024. This support will cover additional costs for crops that were not completely destroyed. Potato producers will also receive €1 million for adverse conditions faced in February 2025. The Minister of Agriculture emphasized the importance of these measures for the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

The Hellenic Bank has extended the deadline for its Voluntary Exit Plan until March 11, as the goal of 400 employee departures was not met. This extension is intended to give more employees the opportunity to participate. The management appears dissatisfied with the current number of applications received so far. The compensation offered can reach up to €200,000, depending on age and years of service.

The Cabinet has decided to dismiss the entire Board of Directors of the English School and appoint a new one. The new members will be announced today and were selected by the Advisory Council. This decision comes after the principal reported pressure to accept a member's child despite failing entrance exams.

Today, March 5, 2025, high concentrations of dust are observed in the atmosphere across Cyprus. The Department of Labor Inspection warns the public, especially vulnerable groups, to avoid open areas. Employers are urged to take necessary protective measures for their employees. The measurements indicate the highest dust levels in areas like Limassol and Paphos.

The Parliament discussed bills concerning parental rights after divorce, focusing on parental alienation issues. A father shared his distress over not seeing his son for eight months due to allegations of psychological abuse. He called for fairer rights for fathers and mentioned having filed numerous complaints with no results. MP Rita Superman highlighted the lack of social workers to monitor parental alienation cases.

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, is visiting Athens on Saturday to hold talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ahead of the informal five-party conference on the Cyprus issue. This meeting aims to prepare and coordinate efforts between the two governments before the summit in Geneva. Additionally, the British Minister for Europe will also visit Cyprus to meet with the President and the leader of the occupied territory. Coordination and preparations are crucial for the success of the informal gathering.

Donald Trump delivers a significant speech in Congress, claiming that America is making a dynamic comeback. During his speech, he emphasizes his administration's achievements and proposes aggressive policies, such as imposing tariffs and funding mass deportations of migrants. He also makes nationalistic statements regarding the U.S. international position, calling for a break with previous diplomatic policies. Despite polling indicating a drop in popularity, he remains confident and proceeds with controversial decisions.

The European Commission rejected the exemption requested by Ionas Nikolaou and private electricity producers regarding central storage. The Cabinet approved a bill that allows the Transmission System Operator to manage central electricity storage. Efforts by private producers to overturn the directive will continue, while the Regulatory Authority has yet to approve related applications.

The negative response from the Ministry of Transport to the Prosperity Group's proposal for a €1.2 billion investment in Larnaca was not surprising. The minister explained that the legal aspects of the proposal were inadequate and hence could not be accepted. The CEO of Prosperity expressed disappointment and they will consider how to proceed. The focus now shifts to the plans of the Greek Ports Planning Authority.

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (AEC) and its customers are expected to bear costs due to the mandatory installation of two gas turbines in Dhekelia to ensure electricity supply. The European Commission insists that AEC should fund this process, given the pressing energy needs. The government has not convinced the Commission that it can find private investors in time. AEC is preparing to award a bid for the turbines shortly.

A same-sex couple from the UK has welcomed twins through a surrogate mother in Cyprus, spending $107,000. Despite their joy, they are facing bureaucratic delays in obtaining passports for their newborns, preventing them from returning home. The news has garnered significant attention online, with many views and comments on social media. Cyprus is not widely recognized as a destination for surrogacy for same-sex couples.

The Auditor General is seeking explanations from the Health Insurance Organization regarding the decision to purchase services from two women who have retired. There is significant concern about the status of the patient referral program abroad. The Cyprus Patients' Association has raised serious concerns and submitted proposals for transparent procedures. Developments are expected in the extraordinary meeting of the OAY Board of Directors.

In two days, the report on the circumstances of Thanasis Nicolaou's death is expected to be delivered, after three criminal investigations. The report will state that the death is due to homicide and that there are two suspects. The forensic doctor and a former soldier from Thanasis's unit have been interrogated. The family of the deceased seeks justice and an end to this troubled case.

The UN Secretary-General is convening an informal conference in Geneva regarding the Cyprus issue, aiming to restart talks. However, Ersin Tatar seems to have different intentions, seeking recognition for a 'separate state' for Turkish Cypriots. He emphasizes the need to strengthen the 'institutional structure' of the Turkish Cypriot community and cooperation with Turkey. Tatar reiterates his support for a two-state policy, calling for recognition of their sovereignty.