The Eastern Mediterranean is being strategically enhanced by the U.S. through new legislation that highlights the importance of countries like Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt. The law plans actions to strengthen critical infrastructure and interconnect energy and technology. It also focuses on diplomatic collaboration through the '3+1' framework and plans regular reports to Congress. This initiative is part of a broader U.S. strategy in the region.
A serious traffic accident occurred in Limassol when a vehicle collided with a motorcycle. The motorcycle driver, a food delivery person, was seriously injured. An ambulance arrived at the scene to take him to the hospital. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pontiff from the USA. He succeeds Pope Francis and takes on the leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Prevost has extensive experience as a missionary in Peru and is known for his commitment to impoverished communities. He is expected to continue the reforms of his predecessor.
Work on the Makarios Hospital is delayed due to technical differences between the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) and the contractor. This situation has caused inconvenience for patients and their families, as the construction site is limiting access and parking. The Parliament is requesting explanations from OKYPY regarding the progress of the projects, which have been stalled for quite some time. They hope that clear solutions will be presented soon for the completion of the work.
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced its withdrawal from armed struggle and its dissolution, following a call from its leader, Abdullah Öcalan, for a peaceful political transition. This decision is seen as historic and is recognized by the pro-Kurdish party DEM, which urges Turkish politicians to take action for lasting peace. Turkey has the potential to become a model for the region if democratic coexistence is ensured. DEM emphasized that this decision is not an end but a new beginning in the struggle for democracy and equality.
Monaco has been declared the most expensive city in the world according to Henley & Partners' 2025 report. Over 40% of its residents are millionaires, making it the city with the highest percentage globally. Apartment prices in Monaco can exceed $38,800 per square meter, with New York following as the second most expensive city. Other cities in the top five include Hong Kong, London, and Paris.
Following the approval of a government bill, families with five or more dependent children can now be included in the Special Tariff 08 of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). Inclusion requires families to already be receiving Child Benefit. Interested parties should visit the EAC's website to fill out an application form and submit it at one of their Customer Service Centers. The Special Tariff also includes other vulnerable groups, such as single-parent families and recipients of social aid.
The new Pope Leo XIV is an avid fan of tennis and baseball. These sports are significant to his cultural identity as he grew up in Chicago and supports the Chicago Cubs. Besides sports, he has also had a notable missionary career in Peru before becoming Pope. He looks forward to getting back to tennis when he finds some free time.
OEΛΜΕΚ has rejected the Ministry of Education's proposal for a new system of teacher evaluation. The decision was unanimously made by the Central Administrative Council and will be put to a referendum among teachers. The Ministry plans for the proposal to be reviewed by the Parliament for a vote. There are disagreements about the involvement of school principals in the evaluation process.
Earlier today in the region of Nicosia, 85-year-old Kyriakos Charalambous died in a tragic accident while working in his field. He was found dead under circumstances that are being investigated, as he seems to have fallen from his tractor. The police are looking into the details of the incident. This tragedy highlights the dangers associated with agricultural work.
The ERA department stores' story, which began with the first Woolworth in 1971, comes to an end with the sale to Gencom Ltd. The new owner will retain the ERA name for the stores, at least for now. The CTC group sold four ERA stores for a nominal price of 1 euro, along with pending orders and staff. This loss marks the end of an era in the Cypriot retail market.
Pietro Parolin's contribution to Robert Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV was crucial, according to an Italian newspaper. Although Parolin had gained an advantage in the first vote, the votes were insufficient for a majority. A significant move by Parolin seems to have garnered support for Prevost from the cardinals. The role of Catholics from North and South America and political relations also influence the election.
The Criminal Court of Nicosia imposed heavy sentences on two Hungarian women who pleaded guilty to charges of usurping properties belonging to Greek Cypriots. The first was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison, while the second received a 15-month sentence. The crimes relate to properties that have been under occupation since 1974. There are currently four similar cases pending in the courts.
The General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, criticizes the President of the Republic's statements regarding the handling of protesters. He states that the President must take responsibility and stop using communication tricks. He believes the President is attempting to satisfy pre-election interests and calls for the resignation of the Minister of Justice. Society demands immediate solutions and actions from the Government.
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the government will not get involved in the electoral campaign for the 2026 Parliamentary Elections, despite criticisms from AKEL regarding the resignation of the Minister of Justice. He emphasizes that his main concern is to solve problems for the Cypriot people, intervening to end the suffering caused by hunters' protests. He indicates that he will continue to work without participating in the electoral politics. Additionally, he warns of increasing announcements and criticisms as the elections approach.
Two foreigners were arrested in the Deryneia area for chopping up a kangaroo they obtained from a farm in free Famagusta. One of the detainees is a 36-year-old who was residing illegally in Cyprus and is facing legal consequences. The police and Veterinary Services are investigating the legal status of the animals on the farm and the circumstances of the kangaroo's death. The case was revealed after a complaint was made to the police about the animal being chopped in a parking lot.
Ermes Department Stores Plc has sold the ERA department stores to Gencom Ltd for 1 euro as part of a restructuring strategy. The deal is expected to help Ermes divest from loss-making activities and includes the transfer of staff and equipment. Despite the low sale price, the company expects to realize an accounting profit. The transaction is still subject to approval by the Cyprus Competition Protection Committee.
Robert Francis Prevoost has been elected as the new Pope Leo XIV, making his first appearance from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He succeeds Pope Francis, who left behind a legacy of progressive reforms and challenges for the church. The new pope faces a divided church and global crises. His election was decided by 133 cardinals, reflecting international representation and the challenges of the current world.
The new Pope Leo XIV takes on his duties amidst challenges concerning sexual abuse and the participation of LGBTQ individuals in the Catholic Church. He must address issues related to geopolitics and social justice. Although considered moderate, his stance remains uncertain. Additionally, the finances of the Vatican continue to be problematic.
A 34-year-old man was found with head injuries in Limassol during the night. He was taken to Limassol General Hospital unconscious, but his health status is now stable. It appears he was attacked by an unknown individual while walking.
The government is discussing changes related to the taxation of bonuses for state officials. There is a proposal to create a Special Fund for their pensions to cover the retirement benefits. Politicians are also asking to consider the possibility of not taxing the bonus and to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65. However, these proposals do not seem to be met with goodwill from the other parties.
Members of Congress sent a letter to Donald Trump ahead of his meeting with Turkish President Erdogan. The letter highlights Turkey's increasing aggression towards Greece and Israel, as well as Erdogan's support for Islamist groups. It raises concern over Turkey's political actions and violations of territorial integrity. Lawmakers urge Trump to consider the situation and to refrain from reinstating Turkey in the F-35 program.
The decision not to pursue criminal charges against the United Cypriot Hunters movement has caused tension among the authorities, particularly between the Police and the Attorney General. The Police Chief and the Minister of Justice stated that no charges were made based on the Attorney General's opinion. Despite criticisms of the Police's actions, it appears that the lack of criminal accountability was influenced by the procedures followed. The Attorney General countered that the Police bears responsibility for managing the case appropriately.
Construction works for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Makarios Hospital have been delayed for nearly five months and have not yet started. Cancer patients and their families are suffering due to a lack of parking space. The Parliamentary Health Committee is frustrated and plans to send a letter of complaint to OKYPY. Despite announcements being made since 2019, the works remain stalled.
SLK is developing the Horizon Towers project in the former Larnaca refinery area, aimed at urban regeneration. The project features six modern residential towers that will provide over 450 apartments. Facilities will include green spaces, gyms, and dining areas. The construction is expected to take about 18 months.
Constantinos Kompos presented a proposal at the EU Foreign Ministers' council regarding the response to hybrid threats. It suggests that when a member state faces such threats, they should be considered as threats against all member states. He emphasized the need for cooperation among states to address these threats. Kompos also highlights the importance of adhering to rules for all candidate members of the EU.
Cyprus ranks 22nd among 36 European countries in patient access to innovative drugs. The time from drug approval to patient availability is 531 days. MPs are concerned about delays in the approval of treatment requests from cancer patients, highlighting the seriousness of the issue for human lives. Immediate action is needed from the Health Insurance Organization.
The police and veterinary services in Cyprus are investigating a serious case involving the slaughter of a kangaroo, witnessed being dismembered by two foreigners in a public area. A 36-year-old from Cameroon was arrested and is being interrogated, while a second suspect is still at large. Consuming kangaroo meat is legal, but slaughtering it without permission is illegal. A veterinary autopsy will determine if the animal was alive when it was slaughtered.