The new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will lead to significant price increases for many products in the United States. Items such as Ray-Ban glasses, Nespresso capsules, and sexual aids will become more expensive. Consumers need to prepare for these changes, as companies may pass the costs onto customers. The market is expected to be heavily impacted, as the new tariffs affect a wide range of everyday products.
On April 5, 2025, the demolition of the building that housed the legendary Scorpio, a restaurant and disco in Nicosia, was completed, marking an end of an era for many generations. Its demolition revives countless memories for those who experienced unforgettable moments in this venue. While younger generations may not grasp its significance, older ones reminisce about the vibrant nightlife it offered. The legacy of Scorpio will remain alive in the memories of Nicosians.
In incidents at apartment blocks in Oroklini, a foreign national was seriously injured. The events began when property owners attempted to secure the area. Objects were thrown, prompting police intervention. One injured person was taken to the hospital, and a baby was also admitted for precautionary reasons.
This year, the demand for the sea connection between Cyprus and Greece is increased, with the Daleela ferry set to sail from Limassol on May 31, 2025. Since the launch of the online booking system, reservations have exceeded 1,000 in just the first day. There is also a notable increase in demand for pet transportation. Citizens are showing a strong preference for this sea connection, with a total of 22,582 passengers and 772 pets traveling in the last three years.
The increasing use of injectable diabetes medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide has drawn attention due to their misuse for weight loss. Experts warn that these drugs are not suitable for everyone and may have side effects. At the same time, they emphasize the need for lifestyle changes to manage obesity. Dietary changes and exercise remain the first options for treating obesity.
Cyprus is facing severe drought for the fourth consecutive year, with the Secretary General of EKA warning about the risk of food insecurity. Producers have started harvesting prematurely due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in reduced yields. Significant investments in infrastructure, such as dams and desalination units, are needed to address the situation. The goal is to make farmers independent of weather conditions.
The Cyber Crime Unit of the Cyprus Police warns of a new scam occurring via social media and SMS attempting to deceive the public. The fraudulent messages appear to come from the police, demanding payments for supposed fines. Authorities advise citizens not to make any payments and to report any suspicious messages received. It's crucial to keep personal and banking information safe.
The underwater exploration for the electricity interconnection between Crete, Cyprus, and Israel is set to resume, following a request for a Navtex issuance. The ships return to work nearly 40 days after the research was suspended mainly due to funding delays. Negotiations between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel appear to have yielded positive results. The intention is for the explorations to continue in the coming days, depending on the availability of the ships.
Starting today, the U.S. is imposing an additional 10% tariff on many imports from nearly all over the world, as decided by President Trump. Some products like oil and pharmaceuticals are exempt from these tariffs. The decision has raised international concerns, particularly affecting poorer countries. Markets have seen significant losses, while China has announced its own tariffs on U.S. imports in response.
The recent session of Parliament was marked by tensions and political clashes, particularly concerning issues related to gambling. There were notable statements and counterstatements between representatives of DISY and AKEL. Eirini Charalambidou accused Onoufrios Koullas of patriarchy and inappropriate political behavior. These developments continued on social media following the session.
The contract for the two Kamov helicopters is currently pending as a company has appealed to the Administrative Court, questioning the evaluation process of the bids. The responsible authority is reviewing the claims and will seek clarifications before signing the contract. The issue will be discussed in Parliament at the next meeting of the Control Committee. A second participating company has also pointed out weaknesses in the evaluation process.
Cyprus is not currently affected by the US trade war, but the Ministry of Finance is monitoring potential future impacts. There is concern about rising inflation and its negative effects on the Cypriot economy, especially in tourism and services. The government is looking into whether measures will need to be taken if the situation worsens. Discussions about tariffs will continue at the meeting of Finance Ministers in Poland next week.
In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in students from third countries attending schools in Cyprus, making up 23% of the total public education population. In contrast, Cypriot students have seen a decline in some grades. Notably, students from third countries have tripled in public gymnasiums. Limassol has the highest representation of foreign students in private education.
The Ministry of Transport is preparing a bill to regulate the notification process for camera fines, aiming to facilitate drivers through SMS or email. This will replace the problem-ridden registered letter procedure. The bill also includes penalties for obstructing camera operators. In a meeting with state agencies, details about the implementation of new regulations will be discussed.
In 2024, 761 minors were involved in 497 cases, with 299 being serious offenses. Despite the rise in juvenile delinquency, society focuses more on suppression rather than prevention. Disturbingly, recent trends show minors are involved in acts of violence and internet-related criminal activities. This situation raises significant questions about the causes and future of juvenile delinquency.
The announcement of Maria Angela Olguin Cueyar's appointment is delayed due to UN bureaucracy. Leaders Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar appear positive about her reappointment. However, there are differing views on her role in Cyprus. Her presence is seen as important for preparing for upcoming conferences and building trust.