5 Minute News

3 months ago

The conflict between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has brought renewed attention to Trump's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Musk accused the Trump administration of concealing information about Epstein's wealthy associates. While Trump claimed to be unfazed by the release of related records, there is no evidence that he engaged in any criminal activities. Their friendship began in the late 1980s, and they have been photographed together on numerous occasions.

Odysseas Michaelides made his first post after the investigation against him for contempt of justice. In his post, he emphasized that justice should not be a tool of power and that the pursuit of 'improper behavior' protects corruption. He also touched on the theme of unfreedom and the importance of truth in society. His post highlighted the link between freedom, criticism, and democracy.

The relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk is tense and could escalate into conflict. Trump has several means at his disposal to harm Musk, such as canceling government contracts and investigating controversial issues like drug use. Their rivalry may set the stage for political confrontations in the future. This situation could lead to significant developments in both the political and business realms.

An investigation against Odysseas Michailidis by the Chief Police's Tactical Unit for contempt of justice has sparked a reaction from his lawyer, Christos Kliridis. Kliridis stated that he has discussed the matter with the former Auditor General and intends to inform the European Court of Human Rights about the case. He also does not rule out notifying the Commission if there are any further developments. This situation highlights the attention on the rule of law.

Two journalists from the OMEGA television station, Sotiris Paroutis and Stella Savva, have been called to testify in the investigation against the former Auditor General, Odysseas Michailidis. Paroutis expressed his dissatisfaction with the speed of the process, highlighting that many other important cases have been neglected. He criticized the authorities for uneven attention to cases involving economic crimes. The Arestis report concerning the collapse of the Cooperative in 2019 is an example that remains unresolved.

Priest Dimos Serkelidis accuses Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus of heretical views and an unjust six-month suspension. He claims the decision is illegal and demands its cancellation. He charges the Archbishop with forming an illegal Episcopal Court and distorting Sacred Canons. He seeks an investigation into his allegations by the Holy Synod.

Over 25 national hospitality associations in Europe, coordinated by HOTREC, are taking legal action against Booking.com for violations of European competition law. Hotel operators are seeking compensation for damages incurred from 2004 to 2024. The Cyprus Hotel Association supports this collective effort and calls on its members to participate. The legal action is based on a European Court ruling that deemed Booking.com's practices anti-competitive.

Odysseas Michailidis is under investigation by the Crime Detection Department for his statements regarding the decision of the Supreme Constitutional Court. The allegations involve serious claims about the court's procedure. Witnesses, including journalists, have already been called to give testimony. The Minister of Justice is urging Michailidis to provide evidence related to his claims, which concern top state institutions.

The Electricity Authority announced that it will be cleaning the insulators of the Transmission Lines using a helicopter from June 10 to June 30, 2025. This process aims to minimize potential damages that could lead to power outages. The helicopter will fly at low altitudes in specific areas, with initial adjustments scheduled for June 8 and 9 in Kokkinochrimi and Paliometocho. The schedule may be modified according to the progress of the work.

Candidates in the Cyprus-wide New Greek exams expressed satisfaction with the topics, which they found expected due to discussions around Education and Technology. However, many emphasized the need for critical thinking, especially for the essay, as the questions required synthesizing knowledge. Most students feel positive about their performance, though there was some concern regarding certain topics. The day ended with their attention turning to the upcoming subjects.

In the exam paper for Modern Greek, educators noted that the subject included topics related to Education and Technology. While the paper is generally considered expected and manageable, candidates may encounter difficulties, particularly in the essay section. There was also a text from Odysseas Elytis' 'Aksion Esti,' which was taught for the first time this year. Today, 5,119 candidates began their exams for public universities.

Denisa Maria Andas Pon, a 30-year-old, was found murdered and beheaded in a suitcase in Italy following her disappearance in mid-May. A 32-year-old Romanian, Vasile Frumuzake, was arrested and confessed to the murder, claiming she was blackmailing him. The case has shocked the local community, and authorities are continuing their investigation. Hours before her disappearance, the victim allegedly expressed fears for her safety to her relatives.

A fire broke out in an apartment in Larnaca, putting the lives of an elderly woman and her caregiver at risk. The fire department responded quickly and entered the apartment with breathing apparatus, providing first aid to the two women. The fire appears to have been caused by an electrical issue due to power strip overload. Fortunately, a passerby rescued the women by bringing them to the balcony.

Russia launched a significant attack on Kyiv, targeting the city with ballistic missiles and drones. There are reports of at least 4 fatalities and 20 injuries in the city. Fires erupted due to the attacks and debris, causing damage to residential buildings and other structures. Ukrainian air defense units are on high alert.

The Pan-Cyprian Examinations begin today, with 5,119 candidates participating. The first exam is in Modern Greek, followed by English on June 10. The exams will be held in air-conditioned rooms, providing better conditions for the candidates. They are scheduled to conclude on June 26.

Yesterday, an incident involving gunfire occurred on Agiou Andreou Street in Limassol, targeting a company's offices. Two shots hit the glass façade, but fortunately, there were no injuries. The police cordoned off the area and found bullet casings. The case is being investigated by the Limassol CID.

The political climate is tense as the presidential elections of 2028 approach, with Annita Demetriou facing increasing criticism. Delays in forming the electoral list have led to internal party concerns and suspicions. These developments may affect the electoral strength of the Democratic Rally. Some believe Demetriou's decline could exclude her from future political developments.

President Christodoulides clarified his stance on the issue of usurpers, stating that it is not in Maria Angela Olguin's jurisdiction. He aims to focus on achieving positive results in the upcoming expanded meeting in Geneva. On the other hand, Tatar mentioned negative developments regarding the issue during his discussion with Olguin, claiming that the Greek Cypriot side is creating tension. Christodoulides warned that Tatar's rhetoric does not help in preparing for productive negotiations.

The former International State Exhibition will be transformed into the Western Nicosia Park, maintaining Greece's pavilion and creating two water retention lakes. Proposals for government offices and an innovation zone have been rejected. The mayor of Nicosia emphasizes the need for green spaces due to increased temperatures in the area over the past years. Residents and authorities support the transformation of the area into a park.

The police investigations into contracts for the procurement of aerial firefighting resources have advanced significantly. Certain individuals are expected to provide testimony regarding their roles and attitudes in the tendering processes. The gathered evidence suggests indications of disciplinary or criminal misconduct. The Minister of Agriculture ordered an administrative inquiry following complaints related to contracts dating back to 2017.

After four years, the annual inflation rate in Cyprus showed its first decrease, reaching -0.2%. However, prices for certain food items continue to rise, although at a smaller rate. While energy prices have significantly decreased, some categories of food still show increased prices. The overall price index in May was slightly higher compared to April 2025.

The Permanent Criminal Court of Nicosia convicted four out of five defendants for the murder of 60-year-old Dorotheos Demetriades. The 33-year-old Elena Andreou, a mother of four, experienced a psychological breakdown after the decision, while other defendants expressed their dissatisfaction. Police maintained order in the courtroom. The verdict took about three hours to pronounce and was read consecutively by the members of the Judicial Body.

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos is considering the elimination of multiple pensions for state officials. Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Economics are planning urgent sessions to discuss the proposals. The minister has suggested broader consultations regarding pension regulations. The situation is expected to clarify in the coming days.