Costis Efstathiou is preparing to submit his candidacy for the presidency of EDEK, despite his expulsion from the party. He does not recognize this decision and plans to present his proposal to the Central Committee of EDEK. Meanwhile, Morphakis Solomonidis announced his candidacy, aiming for unity within the party. Efstathiou's upcoming candidacy is expected to spark intense discussions within EDEK.
Five people have died in Spain as a result of a widespread power outage. A family tragedy occurred in Galicia where three family members were found dead due to carbon monoxide inhalation. Additionally, a woman died from lack of oxygen and another woman perished in a fire caused by a candle. Local authorities are investigating the incidents, and the Prime Minister has promised to take measures to prevent similar crises in the future.
A group advocating for a democratic conference within EDEK criticizes outgoing president Marinos Sizopoulos for his lack of unity and political direction. They argue that his continued leadership will lead to the party's disappearance. They highlight the need for a mass return of former members and for calling an open conference. The situation appears critical and irreversible.
Youth violence is on the rise in Cyprus, highlighted by a serious incident involving a 13-year-old victim attacked by underage perpetrators. The incident occurred in a park where the victim was approached and threatened by five individuals trying to steal his bag. The 16-year-old arrested admitted to being involved in the attack, while another perpetrator is still being sought. Authorities are continuing investigations to identify other individuals involved.
There are no signs of criminal activity related to the death of a man in Limassol, according to the authorities' investigations. The man had been unresponsive for three days before being found dead in his apartment. The police reported that the scene was thoroughly examined, and no evidence of foul play was found. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The Spanish electricity company Red Eléctrica reported that Monday's blackout was related to an issue with solar energy production. Solar energy was covering 59% of the country's needs at the time of the incident. Prime Minister Sánchez announced that an independent report will be requested to investigate the causes, along with the formation of a national inquiry committee. Although electricity supply has largely been restored, problems still persist in railway transport.
Authorities are seeking an independent opinion from a forensic expert from Greece regarding the death of 66-year-old Michailidis in Astromeritis. Despite findings from the initial autopsy that did not show injuries to justify his death, the police believe that the shock from the hit may have played a role. Five forensic experts will examine the body, hoping to clarify the situation. Meanwhile, the deceased's medical history will also be investigated.
A man was found dead in his apartment in Limassol after not showing up for work for three days. His colleagues, concerned about his absence, alerted the police. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death, and the forensic service has been informed to examine the scene. The case is ongoing.
The EU Court ruled that Malta's citizenship program for investors violates EU law. The decision emphasizes that acquiring EU citizenship cannot be based on commercial transactions. Malta may face financial penalties if it does not comply with the ruling. This program was implemented in July 2020, allowing foreign investors to obtain citizenship by making prescribed payments.
Turkey's military plans for a limited invasion of Greece have been undermined by the increased military presence of the US and France in the area. According to a report, Turkey's strategies for seizing territories have been drastically limited due to the Greece-US and Greece-France alliances. There is growing concern in Turkey about the concentration of US troops, which increases the risk of direct conflict. Defense agreements have shifted the balance of power and restricted Ankara's strategic options.
Future generations in Cyprus will face serious climate challenges, including rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions. The region is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, leading to more heatwaves. Additionally, rainfall is decreasing and droughts are intensifying, impacting natural water resources and agriculture. Overall, Cyprus is considered a critical climate area with significant effects on ecosystems and productivity.
John M. Koenig, the former U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, criticizes American diplomats and discusses his strained relationship with former President Anastasiades. He reveals that, despite working together, they had a contentious personal relationship, and he considered Anastasiades a fraud and a braggart. Their relationship worsened when Anastasiades decided to meet with Putin, which Koenig opposed. This meeting coincided with a critical moment following the assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov.
In Larnaca, there is growing unrest due to delays in state projects related to the marina and the port, with local authorities demanding clear answers and timelines. The mayor and members of the Development Committee express concerns over the proposed construction method for the new Yacht Club, fearing it may lead to delays and issues. Should their demands not be met, protests are planned. The patience of the city's residents has worn thin due to ongoing changes and delays in government plans.
Odysseas Michailidis has reported to the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding the case of the reception hall in Lympia. The report questions the financing of the rent by Mr. Christodoulides during his election campaign. There are concerns regarding potential illegal donations and abuse of power. The case calls for an investigation into the actions and omissions of those involved.
The University of Athens has requested a building in Larnaca to establish two new schools. This process faces challenges due to existing legislation that prohibits the allocation of communal land for educational purposes. The mayor of Larnaca is seeking legislative changes to move forward with these plans. Additionally, other municipalities are facing similar issues regarding land allocation for universities.
From 2017 to 2023, the government exceeded the amount of water it could draw from the reservoirs, leading to requests for desalination assistance. In 2020, the highest excess draw was recorded, with 39 million cubic meters more than allowed. The lack of planning reveals concerning management of water resources. Reports indicate the need for better monitoring and planning in the future.
Two unknown individuals broke into an apartment in Lower Paphos and attacked two tenants aged 29 and 26. They used a knife and violence to steal money and jewelry. The tenants were injured and taken to the hospital, but were discharged after receiving first aid. The police are investigating the case.
The Research Committee investigating defective Takata airbags continues its work with testimonies from relatives of traffic accident victims. The father of 19-year-old Styliani and the parents of 24-year-old Kyriakos will testify about their tragic losses, adding a human dimension to the case. The Committee is also inviting other victims to share their experiences, aiming for a full clarification of the incidents. The public hearings are expected to conclude by the end of May.
Electricity has been restored to about 90% of Spain after a massive blackout. The cause of the outage is still undetermined, and authorities are continuing their investigations. The Interior Ministry has declared a state of emergency, with regions requesting assistance from the central government. Additionally, 30,000 police officers will be deployed for safety enhancement.
EDK is in turmoil as it looks for a successor to its current leader, Marinos Sizopoulos. There are various approaches to finding a transitional president, but initiatives often do not yield results. Former members are contemplating their return to the party, but significant decisions need to be made for this to happen. The situation is complex, causing concern and reflection among members.
Foreign investors are planning to establish a sea connection between Cyprus and Lebanon from Larnaca port to Jounieh port. They wish for the company's base to be in Cyprus and for the vessel to be registered under the Cypriot flag. This connection is expected to benefit tourism and businesses and could start in the summer of 2025. The proposed sea journey will take around four hours.
The battle against obesity continues with various drugs competing in the market. Ozempic, initially popular for weight loss among diabetics, is losing its appeal as new medications like Wegovy from Novo Nordisk enter the scene. Eli Lilly is also making strides with its new drug, Monjaro, gaining prominence. This situation is reflected in Cyprus, where the introduction of obesity medications is becoming more attractive.
The report from the Commissioner for Administration highlights that elderly drivers face challenges in financing and insurance coverage. Specifically, insurance companies are raising premiums for individuals over 70 years old. The report notes the absence of legal frameworks to protect against age discrimination. This situation results in elderly individuals encountering less favorable terms in their vehicle insurance.
Starting June 1st, emergency departments will operate under new regulations requiring the presence of specific specialty doctors around the clock. Hospitals in the General Health System can increase their compensation based on the quality of services provided. The Health Insurance Organization has established criteria for evaluating the emergency departments, such as waiting times and patient feedback. The category 2 emergency department in Nicosia has already started serving 20% of its patients.