In Geroskipou, during a Divine Liturgy, a young man entered a church and damaged icons and shrines while yelling at the priest. The worshippers were terrified, and many left the church. Eventually, the police arrested him nearby. The service continued despite the disruption.
The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal of an individual convicted for not wearing a mask in an outdoor area during the Covid-19 pandemic. The conviction related to an incident that occurred in December 2020, with a fine of €1,350 imposed. The appellant raised various grounds for appeal, all of which were dismissed by the court as baseless. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal concluded that the original decision was correct and did not contain legal violations.
There is an increased demand for hotel bookings in Cyprus ahead of Easter, celebrated by Orthodox, Catholic, and Jewish communities this year. The occupancy rates are quite high in areas like Paphos and Larnaca. Meanwhile, summer pre-bookings are low, around 6%-7%. There are challenges concerning water supply and desalination facilities.
A major redevelopment project is planned in Amathounta, transforming the former KEAN factory with an investment of €189 million. The project will feature high-rise residential towers and office spaces, aiming to elevate the area's urban landscape. Construction will occur in three phases, starting in 2026 and expected to complete by 2031. The development aims to promote sustainable and modern urban use.
The Ministry of Health will cover the transportation costs for the body of a 17-year-old who died from meningitis in the Intensive Care Unit. The body will be transported to Romania, the mother's country of origin. Additionally, two other children hospitalized with severe symptoms of bacterial meningitis have recovered and returned home.
The Ministry of Energy announced the completion of drilling operations at the 'Elektra-1' site in Block 5 of Cyprus's EEZ. The investigations revealed the presence of natural gas, but in non-exploitable quantities. Despite the disappointing findings, the results are considered encouraging as they confirm the existence of a hydrocarbon system. The drilling rig will be moved to Block 10 for further exploration.
Changes in the self-consumption of solar panels will cost citizens. To maintain their solar panel operations, owners will need to pay between €300 and €1000 for necessary adjustments. The lower cost is for installing a double switch, while the higher cost includes replacing the inverter. Consumers are advised to evaluate the cost of disconnections against this investment.
A collaboration between the Municipality of Nicosia, the Archdiocese, and the Kapodistrian University involves using specific buildings in the walled city of Nicosia. The University aims to start its medical and nursing programs in October. Renovations for these buildings will be funded by both the Archdiocese and the Municipality. Students are expected to enroll not only from Cyprus but also from Greece.
On Monday morning, authorities in Paphos were alerted to an attempted murder. A person entered a pharmacy in Chloraka and injured the owner and her sister with a knife. Authorities have mobilized in response to the incident. More information is expected soon.
The Bank of Cyprus announced the acquisition of National Insurance Cyprus for €29.5 million. The deal is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. National Insurance holds a significant market share, and the acquisition is expected to strengthen the bank's position in the insurance sector. Additionally, the transaction will contribute to an increase in the group's revenues.
President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on high-tech products such as smartphones and computers. He emphasized that no one will be exempt from these tariffs, especially countries that have exploited the U.S., like China. The new policy aims to boost domestic production and employment. Trump also outlined a broader economic agenda aimed at upgrading the country.
The Turkish government is planning to relocate new settlers to the occupied territories to increase the Turkish population. At the same time, it has lifted the ban on wearing Islamic headscarves in schools, sparking reactions within the Turkish Cypriot community. These moves, while appearing independent, both serve the goal of Turkification of the area. The Turkish Minister also announced the construction of social housing to support this policy.
The visit of American experts to Cyprus marks a final step toward the elimination of the visa requirement for Cypriot travelers to the United States. This decision will strengthen the relationship between Nicosia and Washington and facilitate the entry of American companies into Cyprus. Cypriot authorities are optimistic that they have met the required criteria. The visa rejection rate for 2024 was 2.16%, below the required 3%.
Recycling in the Nicosia district has faced serious issues, with reports indicating that recyclable materials are not being properly collected. In Limassol and Paphos, the partnership between Green Dot and Barracuda has been interrupted, leading to gaps in the recycling chain. Citizens have expressed complaints about the poor management of waste, and the municipality is taking actions to resolve the issue. Green Dot has acknowledged the problems and states that efforts are being made to improve the situation.
Cyprus is facing a new economic crisis due to tariffs announced by the US government. While immediate impacts may be limited, global turmoil could affect the Cypriot economy, leading to reduced consumption and income. The government and the Central Bank are monitoring the situation and preparing for potential challenges. Concerns about recession are rising, while officials discuss Europe's monetary policies.
Drug seizures are increasing in Cyprus, with 228 kilograms of cannabis seized in just the first three months of this year. This rise is linked to the growing demand for cannabis, as well as other drugs like cocaine and synthetic substances. Generally, arrests for drug trafficking have become a daily occurrence, involving even young individuals. Larnaca Airport remains the primary entry point for drug imports into the country.
Many patients are reporting issues with shortages of medications at state pharmacies, leading them to make multiple visits. With interventions from OSAK, some patients were able to resolve their issues and secure their medications. Complaints also include difficulties in finding occupational therapy services, as well as cases of limited quantities of medications provided. Patients are often required to travel to other cities to receive their treatments.
The IMF points out that public sector salaries in Cyprus are 27% higher than those in the private sector. Despite the high salaries, the quality of services does not seem to match. Expenditures for public sector salaries account for 12% of GDP, which is considered high compared to other countries. The government aims to slow down the increase in salaries in order to create fiscal space.