5 Minute News

2 months ago

The OPAP Joker draw took place on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The lucky numbers selected are 7, 10, 17, 34, 40, with the Joker number being 11. Winners will share at least €9,690,000. Draws occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM.

In Agrinio, a 21-year-old lost his life in a car accident while driving his 17-year-old girlfriend to the hospital. His car collided with a van and caught fire, trapping the young man inside, while the girl managed to escape. His parents, both nurses at the hospital, were called to identify him, adding to the tragedy's impact on the local community. Authorities are investigating the possibility of a third vehicle being involved in the accident.

The police are investigating a human trafficking case involving the sexual exploitation of a 23-year-old woman. Two individuals, aged 39 and 26, have been arrested and presented before a court. Charges related to kidnapping and threats have emerged during the investigation. The case is being examined by the Office for Combating Human Trafficking.

The drilling at Pegasus by Exxon Mobil is successful, and announcements regarding the discovery of a new natural gas deposit are expected tomorrow. Energy Minister George Papathanasiou emphasized the importance of collaboration with other companies for the gas export to Egypt. He also highlighted the significance of geopolitical stability for Cyprus and the need for cooperation with Greece. Papathanasiou focused on the three pillars of Cyprus's energy program, including the electrical interconnection.

MP Dimitris Dimitriou emphasized the need for a National Strategy to Protect Minors from Internet Addiction in Cyprus. It was discussed that 13% of teenagers are considered 'problematic' internet users. Experts warned about the risks of uncontrolled exposure of minors to the internet, including the potential for sexual abuse. Dimitriou proposed raising the social media usage age limit from 14 to 16 years.

The Evangelismos polyclinic in Paphos has changed ownership, now in the hands of foreign investors. The deal has been submitted for approval to the Competition Protection Commission. The polyclinic holds a significant share of the medical services market in Paphos, with high annual revenues. The group that acquired the facility is already active in Cyprus, managing other medical facilities.

Police arrested a 17-year-old Greek Cypriot for injuring a 23-year-old Nepali man on July 3rd. The victim suffered a brain hemorrhage and was transferred to Nicosia Hospital. The 17-year-old will remain in custody for five days as investigators look into charges of attempted murder. The investigations are ongoing by the Famagusta CID.

The young woman N.T. sent letters to the President and the Assistant Attorney General demanding justice after the suspension of criminal charges against a political figure accused of rape. She claimed that the justice system unjustly treated her as the accused and stripped her of her dignity. The letter contains serious accusations against the judicial system and harsh criticism towards the Assistant Attorney General. It expresses her pain and disappointment with how the authorities handled her case.

European Parliament member Fidias Panayiotou explains his reasons for interviewing Ersin Tatar. Despite criticism, he believes it is important to understand the views of the leader of the Turkish Cypriots and states he does not recognize Tatar as president. He advocates for freedom of speech and mentions that visiting the occupied areas does not equate to recognizing that state.

A new informal five-party dialogue on the Cyprus issue is scheduled for July 16-17 in New York, with minimal prospects for substantive progress. The upcoming elections in the occupied areas limit chances for advancement. Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar remains negative about any attempts to restart talks, being backed by Turkey. The United Nations acknowledges that progress will be unlikely until at least October.

America is facing serious debt issues, with total debt reaching $37 trillion. The new bill from Donald Trump introduces larger tax cuts, resulting in a sharp rise in the deficit. Markets are concerned as the sustainability of American debt comes into question. The reliable ratings of the U.S. have been downgraded, leading to an increase in borrowing costs.

A 14-year-old girl became a victim of gang rape in Piraeus by four young Roma men. After enduring horrific moments, she managed to report the incident to the police. Her parents are trying to provide psychological and physical support to help her overcome this traumatic experience. The case has sparked serious reactions and concern in society.

The seven-year investment plan 'THALEIA 2021–2027' significantly contributes to the Cypriot economy. The plan focuses on five key objectives of the EU's Cohesion Policy, including projects related to energy, the environment, and education. Over 150 projects have been completed or are in progress, with more than €600 million allocated to various sectors. The General Directorate for Development promotes sustainable growth through strategic public investments.

Political parties are preparing for parliamentary elections, facing challenges due to the emergence of new parties. There is notable difficulty in finding candidates, especially in DISY, where three key MPs are stepping down. Party leaders are trying to attract recognizable figures for their electoral lists. The discussion surrounding potential candidates is active and interesting as the electoral race approaches.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres aims to announce a small step after the informal five-party conference on Cyprus. Despite the challenges facing the process, the international organization is trying to maintain some movement on the Cyprus issue amid geopolitical upheaval. Turkey, seeking to strengthen its position in the region, is unlikely to facilitate the process with proposals for Guterres. The Cypriot side is prepared for challenges and is exploring various possibilities.

Cyprus ranks near the bottom in Europe regarding job satisfaction, as revealed in the European Workforce Study 2025. Only 53% of Cypriot workers report being satisfied with their workplace. A significant percentage of employees in Cyprus are considering looking for new jobs, with 33% stating they would search this year. The performance differences between Cyprus and other European countries are notable.

The stabilization work on the Limassol-Paphos road near the Rock of Aphrodite is expected to be completed by the end of July. The Minister of Transport expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the Public Works and Geological Services. The project, costing approximately 3.5 million euros, will enhance safety in the area, popular among tourists. No other similar issues have been identified on the road network.

In 2024, the Tax Department seized ten times more money from bank accounts compared to 2023, totaling €1.39 million from 337 taxpayers. In contrast, real estate seizures significantly decreased, with MEMO imposed on 5,293 debtors. Out of these, 610 had their MEMO withdrawn. However, measures against tax debts of football companies were not implemented as teams agreed to pay off their debts.