Starting January 1, 2026, new regulations will apply to learner drivers in specific vehicle categories. Learner drivers will not be allowed to drive on public roads unless they are accompanied by a licensed instructor or undergoing an examination. Interested individuals are encouraged to complete the process of obtaining a regular driver's license in a timely manner. More details can be found on the Department of Road Transport's website.
The police arrested a 60-year-old school bus driver accused of sexually harassing a 16-year-old student in Larnaca. The student reported the driver, who allegedly harassed her in several instances. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court for a custody order. Before his arrest, he had been removed from the school bus routes pending the investigation.
The police have clarified how a 13-month-old infant was injured at a kindergarten in Limassol, with the investigation now advanced. The injury occurred when the child fell from a box of toys while the teacher was attending to another child. Testimonies have been taken from the kindergarten's director and staff, and medical reports are being collected. Decisions from the Legal Service regarding potential criminal liabilities are expected.
The report from the criminal investigators regarding the case of Thanassis Nikolaou is expected before the end of the week. Investigators Lampros Pappas and Thanassis Athanasiou stated that they will not make any statements before the official submission of the report. They have been appointed by the Cabinet to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nikolaou's death. Nikolaou was found dead in Limassol in 2005.
A 16-year-old high school student from Larnaca has reported sexual harassment by her school bus driver. According to the complaint, the driver verbally harassed her with inappropriate remarks multiple times since January. The school administration and the student's parents have been informed, and a report has been filed with the police. The police are investigating the incident under the Law on the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women.
The historic Rodon hotel in Agros is undergoing a change in ownership, with investor Balram Chainrai gaining control of the managing company. While he doesn't own 100% of the shares, his stake has risen to 87.85%, allowing him full management control of the hotel. Shareholders who accepted the offer will be paid by April 2025. Chainrai expressed gratitude to the shareholders for their support.
Many vehicle owners in Cyprus are waiting hours to have their vehicles inspected (MOT) and renew their registration. The delays are due to a last-minute rush of applications and issues with the service software. MOT center operators report significant slowdowns in the process, causing frustration among citizens. Thousands of registrations are expected to be renewed before the deadline.
The AHK stated that energy cuts from photovoltaic systems are a common phenomenon in other countries as well. Although production losses will be small in 2024, an increase is expected in 2025. However, consumers with photovoltaic systems benefit significantly financially. Maintaining a balance between electricity production and consumption is crucial to avoid blackouts.
Visual artist Vasilia Anaxagorou reported to the police about a person with a history of fraud who arranged a business meeting with her. Despite informing the authorities, no action was taken initially as it was not considered a criminal act. Later, she was called to give a statement two days after the incident. The perpetrator was confirmed to be the same individual wanted for multiple fraud cases.
Irini Charalampidou from the AKEL party criticizes energy cuts from solar panels, despite assurances from the Minister of Energy that households are not affected. Consumers are planning a protest due to ongoing issues and lack of storage infrastructure. Charalampidou emphasizes the responsibility of the Regulatory Authority for Energy and the need for better planning in energy matters. She calls on the Minister to take action to ensure proper energy management.
The Housing Finance Organization plans to sell non-performing loans worth €57 million in 2026. Of this amount, €51 million relates to primary residences. The sale has been postponed due to the implementation of new programs but aims to reduce the organization's credit risk.
Important decisions were made for the development of the Yacht Club at Larnaca Marina and its integration with Europe Square. The new building, costing about €30 million, will include a conference hall, restaurant, and shops. The mayor of Larnaca mentioned that the architectural competition is expected to start in the summer, aiming for a total upgrade of the area. We are awaiting final decisions from the Minister of Transport for the next steps.
Recent incidents of abuse in nurseries have raised concerns. A teacher was recently fired after a video showed her yelling at a baby. The president of the Private Preschool Education Association condemned these behaviors, emphasizing the need for safety in educational environments. She urges authorities to take action and parents to voice their concerns.
It was reported that in Limassol Hospital, dialysis machines are cleaned with a baby wipe, despite the OKEPY budget allocating significant funds for cleaning expenses. The executive director stated that a disciplinary investigation will take place. Additionally, the non-functioning laundry in the hospital has led to shortages of blankets and sheets for patients. These situations are deemed unacceptable by the Health Committee.
A total of 98 state officials receive either multiple pensions or both a salary and a pension simultaneously. Among them, 28 are currently active, with 16 having retired as public employees. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the proposed legislation regarding the regulation of pension rights. However, these proposals do not abolish multiple pensions but rather add to existing ones.
A doctor who retired in April 2024 continued to receive salary payments from OKYpY until February 2025. The President of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Efthymios Diplaros, stated that the total amount received was €65,000 due to the retirement not being recorded. This situation has raised concerns about the organization's management, with the DISY and AKEL parties calling for the resignation of the board due to mismanagement.
A fire completely destroyed the historic building on Mehmet Ali Street in Larnaca, with the Fire Service unable to enter due to safety concerns. The abandoned building was used by homeless individuals. Authorities are investigating the possibility of people being inside the building before the fire broke out. The destruction raises questions about the protection of such cultural heritage sites.
A video showing a kindergarten teacher shouting at an infant has caused significant reactions online. The child's father reported the incident to the police as a case of abuse. The police have launched an investigation and will review the video footage. The situation appears to involve a child around two years old.
A traffic accident involving five vehicles occurred this morning on the Larnaca-Nicosia highway. The collision took place near Lymbia, heading towards Nicosia. Two of the vehicles sustained damage, and there is traffic congestion at the scene. There are no reports of serious injuries based on initial information.
The deadline for renewing vehicle registration licenses is March 11. So far, 627,024 licenses have been renewed. Owners must renew their licenses or declare immobilization to avoid fines. Licenses can be renewed for different periods, and renewal notifications are not sent out.
Cyprus is still facing a serious issue with Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), which remain high despite their reduction in bank portfolios. Economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continue to threaten the stability of the financial sector. Asset Management Companies (AMCs) have taken on a large portion of these loans, but the problem remains unsolved. More decisive action is required to address strategic defaulters and improve the situation.
The Parents' Federation of Public and Community Kindergartens welcomes the Ministry of Education's intention to implement a modern teacher evaluation system. They emphasize that evaluation should be transparent and objective, serving as a tool for improvement. The Federation stresses the importance of collaboration between teachers and parents to enhance education. Parents support any reform that promotes quality in education.
Christiana Erotokritou, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, stated that the proposals for multiple pensions are expected to be presented in the Plenary in the coming weeks. The process is nearing completion, having undergone extensive discussion already. However, there are concerns about the constitutional implications of the proposed changes. Erotokritou mentioned that the issue would be resolved soon due to the pending proposals.
Engineers from the Water Development Department are working on restoring the Mavrokolympos dam following improvements in mud cleanup. They are seeking permanent solutions for repairs and future problem prevention. The exact timeline for restoration remains uncertain, but they hope for effective maintenance methods. The damage is not attributed to poor maintenance as claimed by some.
The new campaign launched in Larnaca, titled 'Welcome Back', aims to boost the region's tourism growth, which has seen an increase in arrivals. Despite having fewer hotel rooms compared to other areas, Larnaca has attracted more visitors in recent years. The campaign focuses on cultural heritage and the authentic experiences provided by local culinary traditions. Larnaca's Tourism Company continues to implement targeted marketing efforts to promote the region.
President Christodoulides is set to give a multi-channel interview to update citizens on government achievements and respond to doubts regarding his government's capabilities. The interview will take place just before the informal conference in Geneva, where he aims to showcase progress on the Cyprus issue. The government team is intensively preparing to ensure they can address critical questions. This interview is also seen as an opportunity for the President to counter opposition criticisms.
The silence of the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, ahead of the informal conference on Cyprus raises concerns about his intentions. Cypriot President Christodoulides is preparing for all scenarios and is expected to present a specific plan and proposals in Geneva. The situation intensifies pressures on both sides, with the Greek Cypriots aiming for a restart and the Turkish Cypriots remaining unyielding. The outcome of the talks will depend on the UN Secretary-General's strategy and the parties' reactions.