5 Minute News

Today, a group of people protested outside the Presidential Palace, seeking changes regarding cuts to residential photovoltaic systems. The protesters, around 30 individuals, delivered a letter to President Nikos Christodoulides, expressing their dissatisfaction with ongoing injustices. They demanded an immediate halt to the cuts and other regulations concerning energy production and consumption. They committed to continue their fight for their rights.

The trial for the murder of Thanasis Kalogeropoulos is ongoing with new witnesses. A police officer presented drone footage capturing the villa in Skarinos, where the execution is believed to have been planned. The footage shows the only access road to the villa and includes thermal imaging. The proceedings involve additional testimonies related to the collected evidence.

A person who won €225,000 at a casino in the occupied areas attempted to cross the checkpoint with the money. The Customs Department seized the funds, highlighting issues with the control system for money moving between regions. Authorities acknowledge the difficulty of monitoring due to the existing legal framework. The case was brought to light in a parliamentary committee, raising concerns about the oversight procedures.

The owner of a nursery in Limassol is facing charges of negligence after a 13-month-old baby was injured. The parents reported to the police that the child's injuries could not be explained by a fall. Following investigations, the Legal Service issued instructions for prosecution solely for negligence. The baby was examined by a forensic expert who indicated potential abuse.

Following the revelation of the abuse of five children by their parents, the Deputy Minister of Welfare ordered an administrative investigation into the actions of the Welfare Services. The investigation will look into the actions of the social services, schools, and the police related to the case. While the social services claim to have monitored the family, the living conditions remained horrific. The father and mother are currently in custody facing serious charges.

The Parliament has halted the implementation of the 'Photo Radar List' for entering and exiting the island due to legal issues. MPs express concern over the legality of the process, emphasizing that citizens should pay their fines but not through dubious methods. The Police proposed sending SMS notifications for outstanding fines, but no legislation has been forwarded yet. Attention is focused on accident prevention using cameras, despite a recent rise in fatal incidents.

The University of Cyprus is moving forward with an €8.1 million upgrade project aimed at creating a sustainable and energy-efficient environment. The funding comes from 60% EU sources and 40% from state funds and the university itself. The interventions include the development of a smart energy management system and a solar park. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Over 55 kilograms of cannabis were seized at Larnaca airport in one week. A 26-year-old woman from Greece was arrested with 40 kilograms of cannabis upon her arrival from Thailand. The police are investigating her connection to an international drug trafficking network. Some recipients in Cyprus are still being searched for.

The Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios, expressed strong criticism against the MEP Feidias Panayiotou, labeling him as a tool of Turkey and its propaganda. He stated that Panayiotou's remarks exceed the limits of reason and urged the Cypriot public to vote responsibly. The Archbishop also emphasized the need for other MEPs to correct the wrongs inflicted by Panayiotou. He highlighted the sacredness of voting and the responsibility it entails.

Most of the world's younger billionaires are under 30 years old and the majority inherited their wealth. Of the 21 young billionaires, 15 are from Europe, with Germany having the highest number. There are also two self-made billionaires, including Ed Craven and Alexandr Wang. The wealth of these younger billionaires has been influenced by their companies' performance and funding rounds.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested at Larnaca airport with 40 kilograms of cannabis in her luggage. A police and Customs Department operation uncovered the drugs in vacuum-sealed packages during a routine check. The woman was detained and brought before the court, where she was ordered to be held for eight days. Investigations by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency are ongoing.

Former Commissioner for Volunteerism Giannakis Giannakis admitted to three out of eight charges related to the circulation of forged documents. However, he did not admit to charges of forgery regarding his degree and diploma. This surprising development has raised questions about the trial proceedings. The case may result in prison sentences of up to three years.

Cyprus is facing severe water scarcity for the third consecutive year and is seeking solutions for adequate water supply. The Minister of Agriculture is traveling to Abu Dhabi to explore partnerships with TAQA, aiming to set up mobile desalination units on the island. The pressing need for more flexible solutions is driving the search for new desalination technologies. TAQA has expressed interest in this collaboration, given Cyprus's strategic importance in the region.

Cyprus's Ministry of Health spent a total of €44.6 million in 2020 for sending patients abroad and €31 million in 2024. Most of the expenses were directed to private individuals outside of Cyprus. Additionally, from 2014 to 2024, the ministry collected €18.3 million for services provided to European citizens. However, issues were identified in the allocation of grants to various organizations.

Former MEP Dimitris Papadakis attacks Marinos Sizopoulos regarding the court ruling against Marine Le Pen. He accuses Sizopoulos of attempting to pressure him into committing fraud against European taxpayers. He also states that an agreement imposed on him was illegal. He is expecting action from the relevant authorities after 18 months.

There are 1,292 dangerous buildings across various cities, with the majority in Nicosia. MP Marinos Moushiouttas is proposing legislative measures to support these buildings and mitigate risks for citizens. The proposal includes an increase in state contributions and stricter measures for property owners. The aim is to ensure public safety and improve the management processes of these buildings.

Today, citizens will gather outside the Presidential Palace to protest the cuts to their household solar panels. The event was organized spontaneously through a social media group. Participants are called to raise their voices together and join the protest. The gathering is scheduled for 6 PM.

The meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and T/C leader Ersin Tatar concluded with announcements of progress on four out of six topics. Tatar announced a new meeting of the leaders before Easter, highlighting their significant collaboration. Christodoulides mentioned that commitments have been made to the UN Secretary-General. The goal is to restart negotiations.

Yiannis Giannakis admitted guilt on three charges related to forgery and the circulation of forged documents. The trial is ongoing, and a police expert is currently testifying. This development is significant for the case. More details are expected as the proceedings continue.

A traffic incident occurred on the Paphos – Limassol highway involving six vehicles. The collision took place near the exit of Agios Silas. So far, only material damages have been reported. The Limassol Traffic Police is responding to the scene.

The AKEL party, led by Stefanos Stefanou, is gearing up for the 2026 elections, focusing on significant social issues such as inflation and taxation. There are concerns that another electoral failure could lead to serious changes within the party. The leadership of AKEL is striving to better communicate its policies to the public, but is facing difficulties in conveying its messages. The situation appears critical and calls for immediate actions to maintain its political influence.

ETYFA is revising its plans for the completion of the pier at Vasilikos, as it awaits an agreement with a European company that will take on the role of project manager. There are uncertainties regarding the assignment of the works to a consortium of subcontractors, as ETYFA prefers the new company to evaluate the current situation. Negotiations with the prospective contractor continue, with critical decisions anticipated. The Chinese company CPP remains involved, raising concerns about the future of the collaboration.

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is installing special insulating materials and equipment to prevent electrocution and collisions with large birds, following the death of two vultures due to electrocution. Despite warnings from the Game and Fauna Service, sufficient protective measures have not been taken. Additionally, there have been other recorded deaths of vultures in the past due to the electrical network. The GFS is calling for immediate interventions to properly insulate the power lines.

The operation of the Kapodistrian University is likely moving from the Tarsi Arcade to the Tsiasis building due to the high cost of upgrading the former. The Municipality of Nicosia is suggesting alternative buildings for supplementary use. There is also behind-the-scenes activity regarding the University of Cyprus's agreement for another building affected by these new developments. This situation may have political implications.

The situation with the bus stops has significant issues, as the design specifications were not properly followed. MP Kostas Kostas has raised questions regarding the safety and functionality of these stops. There may also be consequences for EU funding of the project. The absence of important features indicates that the stops are not fully operational.

The contract for supplying two Kamov helicopters for firefighting in Cyprus has gone to court due to serious claims. The company HELI COMPANY s.r.o. argues that the assessment process for the bids was flawed and that the successful bidder does not meet the tender requirements. Claims include that the airworthiness certificate submitted does not belong to the specified helicopter. Legal proceedings will determine the validity of these allegations.

The leaders Christodoulides and Tatar will have their first meeting in Cyprus today to discuss the outcomes of the informal Conference in Geneva. The Greek Cypriot side seeks results based on previous agreements, while the Turkish Cypriot side is leaning towards new approaches. Expectations for a positive outcome from this meeting are low. Despite the uncertainty, the meeting is significant for the future of the Cyprus issue.