5 Minute News

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, employees of all Community Kindergartens in Cyprus will go on a 24-hour strike. This decision comes as a response to the indifference of the Ministry of Education towards their demands regarding the sustainability of the institution. Key issues include the degradation of kindergartens and the need for salary upgrades for educators. The unions are calling for parental support in their efforts for better conditions in preschool education.

George Georgiou, an MEP from AKEL, stated that he withdraws the label 'brat' towards Geadis but not the label 'fascist' until he is convinced otherwise. He referred to a recent incident concerning the collaboration of Cypriot MEPs and highlighted differing approaches on voting amendments regarding Turkey. Emphasizing that only a solution to the Cyprus issue will lead to the withdrawal of Turkish troops, he pointed out political disagreements amongst the MEPs. He also commented on the stance of Fytheos Panagiotou regarding recent diplomatic developments.

The Ministry of Finance expressed concern that the Cyprus Football Association misled them regarding the debts of football clubs to the state. The Director General stated that ten clubs are in compliance, while five have not met the criteria. The CFA is requesting information about clubs' compliance with their debts, highlighting an urgent need for a solution. Had the laws been applied, many clubs would have been shut down.

Today, the file containing the allegations of former Auditor General Odysseas Michailidis was submitted to the Legal Service by the Police. Michailidis stated that a government official was aware of the Supreme Constitutional Court's decision in advance. Authorities have requested more information regarding his allegations, but no further actions have been taken so far. Michailidis's willingness to provide additional evidence indicates the seriousness of the matter.

Metropolitan of Morphou Neophytos is expected to receive a warning from the Holy Synod regarding his statements about the Pope and other ecclesiastical matters. The Holy Synod emphasizes the need for caution in public statements and adherence to the Statute of the Church of Cyprus. Although there are reactions regarding the treatment of different clergy, no harsh penalties are expected for the Metropolitan. Neophytos had made comments suggesting that the death of Francis held religious significance.

A 21-year-old food delivery driver was killed in a traffic accident in Limassol when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle driven by a 55-year-old. It is noted that the young man was wearing a helmet but still suffered serious injuries and died in the hospital. The other driver underwent alcohol and drug tests with negative results. The exact cause of death will be determined by the autopsy to be conducted.

A tragedy occurred at a hotel in Lower Paphos, where a 60-year-old British tourist was found dead in the pool. Other swimmers attempted to assist him before he was transported to the hospital, where his death was confirmed. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the results of the autopsy are awaited to determine the cause of death. The situation remains unclear.

An online survey is collecting opinions about the education system in Cyprus and the importance of teacher evaluation. There is interest in whether proper evaluation can improve education. Participants are invited to share their views on the modernization of the evaluation process. Results will be announced soon by experts.

A man from Chaidari called the police and confessed to killing his mother. The woman was found with a knife wound to her neck, and the knife was also recovered by officers. The situation has raised concerns, and the 50-year-old has been arrested. The reasons behind the murder remain unclear.

Supporters of Bishop Tychikos are calling for a review of the Holy Synod's decision to remove him from the Metropolitan throne of Paphos. However, the Holy Synod does not have the procedure to reassess the decision according to its operating rules. A review can only be undertaken by the Ecumenical Patriarch upon a relevant request. This was noted in statements from church circles.

The Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios, is set to take on the role of caretaker in the Paphos Metropolis, delaying the election process for a new metropolitan. He advises interested candidates to be patient due to pressing priorities. He will address issues regarding the properties of the Metropolis and other ecclesiastical matters. Additionally, he may face questions concerning a priest who has publicly opposed him.

An accident occurred in Limassol involving a food delivery driver. The circumstances of the tragedy are under investigation, and the scene is secured for on-site examinations. The 55-year-old driver who caused the accident attempted to turn left and hit the delivery driver. Authorities are seeking witnesses and footage from security cameras.

Anita Dimitriou strongly advocates for Cyprus's inclusion in the Schengen Zone, calling it a strategic choice. In contrast, advisor Anna Koukidou-Prokopiou expresses concerns about the risks this inclusion may pose. She points out that the issue is not just technical but also political, questioning how the external borders are controlled with the Green Line. Anna's statements have generated significant reactions in the occupied territories and are widely reported by the media.

The government is set to issue a decree allowing renewable energy (RES) owners to install small storage systems without needing a building permit. This decree will facilitate energy storage and reduce green energy cutoffs from the grid. The regulatory authority reported that no licenses for hybrid storage systems have been completed thus far. Details of the decree include specific requirements for the installation of storage systems.

Eight species of snakes are found in Cyprus, three of which are venomous, but only the viper is considered dangerous to humans. The Ministry of Agriculture advises the public to be cautious during the summer and reduce factors that attract snakes. It recommends wearing closed shoes and long pants when outdoors. In the case of a bite, it's crucial to go to a hospital immediately without attempting to suck out the venom.

The Department of Environment confirmed that the beaches in Cyprus remain safe for swimming, following concerns about pollution in the Lady's Mile area. Investigations and water sampling showed no evidence of contamination. Water quality monitoring is conducted systematically at 123 locations during the summer season. Cyprus maintains high quality levels in its waters, adhering to European guidelines.

The Paphos district is facing significant challenges due to prolonged drought and the damage to its main desalination unit. The Ministry announced the installation of mobile desalination units from the UAE to enhance water supply. These new units will be placed in Kouklias and Kissonerga to meet the water needs of the area. The plan also includes temporary solutions to avoid water cuts for residents.