5 Minute News

2 months ago

The European Union has initiated a coordinated plan for stockpiling essential goods like food, fuel, medicines, and water due to rising concerns over various crises. This initiative aims to better prepare societies against military threats, natural disasters, and pandemics. The goal is to ensure that necessary supplies are always available. The Commission encourages member states to tailor their stockpiles to their specific needs.

SolidVes Ltd has proposed a new mixed-use development project in Limassol worth €80 million, which includes two high buildings for residential, commercial, and office use. The project will feature 75 apartments, shops, and offices, along with shared spaces like a gym and restaurant. The development is expected to impact local traffic and the environment, with measures to mitigate traffic congestion. Construction is estimated to take 30 months, starting after necessary permits are obtained.

Journalist Sener Levent has been notified to surrender to Turkish authorities to serve a prison sentence. The case has sparked reactions from political parties calling for resistance against the attempts to extradite him. He is accused of insulting the Turkish state and institutions. Political organizations emphasize that Levent is a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus and the EU, warning about the potential for further political persecutions.

Chryssis Pantelidis, a DIKO MP, insists that the Assistant Attorney General should resign, not as a punishment but as an act of responsibility. He expresses his disappointment with the court's decision and criticizes the behavior of the specific individual. He emphasizes that criticism should target those who undermine institutions, not the institutions themselves. He highlights the distinction between responsible MPs and those who damage the reputation of the institution.

A 26-year-old was injured in a car accident in Strovolos due to the explosion of a faulty Takata airbag. The vehicle had been recalled but the owner had not responded to notifications for repairs. The case is under investigation, with the Electromechanical Service planning a technical check. The incident raises concerns about vehicle safety and compliance procedures among owners.

A couple of retirees from Larnaca was sentenced to four years in prison for posing as doctors and defrauding elderly women. They managed to extort over €100,000 in cash and valuables from three victims. The defendants were charged with fraud and money laundering. The scams took place between May and June of 2023.

The former director of the Pattihio Theater, Vassos Argyride, was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison for embezzling €234,000 in public funds and laundering money from illegal activities. The decision followed a lengthy court process where he was found guilty. Despite his lawyer's plea for leniency, the court was not convinced by his testimony. The missing funds are associated with box office receipts and theater tax deductions from 2017 to 2020.

A 48-year-old man in Limassol is alleged to have killed his father, George Chatzigeorgiou, aged 80, and has been deemed unfit to attend court proceedings due to psychiatric issues. He was evaluated by a government psychiatrist who confirmed his condition. Neighbors reported that the suspect had known psychological problems. The police are continuing their investigation into the reasons behind the tragedy.

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus announced the installation of smart meters in several areas starting July 2025. The areas include Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The replacement of meters will require a power outage of up to 20 minutes. The EAC apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

The case of Irini Mourtzoukou is rapidly evolving, as she is accused of the deaths of three infants and attempts to murder her own child. The accused has provided chilling details about her behavior and is scheduled to appear before a prosecutor. Comparisons are being made with the case of Roula Pispirigkou, which has also shocked public opinion. Evidence against Mourtzoukou includes testimonies and forensic reports.

The 26-year-old prison officer was arrested due to messages she sent to a 37-year-old businesswoman, indicating that the Central Prison authorities were planning something. Their communication was revealed through a court order, raising concerns about illegal activities. The police are trying to uncover the connection between the two women and the reasons for their message exchanges. Both women are now in custody.

The political confrontation between DISY and ALMA has intensified with heavy exchanges of accusations. ALMA focuses on corruption, linking DISY with scandals, while also appearing to seek collaboration with AKEL for the upcoming presidential elections. Annita Demetriou of DISY is accused of making controversial statements regarding Justice. Odysseas Michailidis and AKEL are actively participating in the discussion, condemning the support and cover-up by the government.

The Environmental Authority rejected the proposal for a 180MW solar park installation near communities in Nicosia due to numerous concerns and objections. Local authorities and environmental organizations raised significant issues regarding the habitat of the endangered Bonelli's Eagle, as well as potential impacts on the microclimate and natural landscape. Concerns included massive deforestation and environmental degradation. The project did not meet the zoning standards for renewable energy projects.

Six European countries are proposing limits on sperm and egg donors after reports of donors having fathered hundreds of children. The proposal aims to set boundaries on how many children a donor can have and emphasizes the need for a common donor registry in the EU. The countries involved are Sweden, Belgium, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Spain, with Cyprus also supporting the initiative.

Tens of thousands of prepaid mobile phone users are at risk of losing their numbers on November 3, 2025, if they do not verify their identities. Mobile operators have made little progress in customer identification, with Cyta identifying only 17% of customers. There is a decreasing trend in prepaid card users due to a preference for unlimited service packages. Prepaid cards are mainly used by young people and tourists, raising concerns about potential deactivation.

The Republic of Cyprus was condemned by the European Court of Human Rights for how it handled a rape allegation. The Deputy Attorney General announced that the case would be re-filed, contingent on the complainant's willingness to testify. This decision comes after five years, with the details of the case remaining unchanged. Mr. Angelidis countered that the criticism he faced stemmed from political motives.

The liquefied natural gas terminal project in Vasilikos is currently stalled, with no clear timeline for completion. The Energy Minister attributed the delays to ongoing issues and negotiations, as the government took over an incomplete project. Additionally, the vessel Prometheus requires two essential components costing 8-9 million euros to function properly. The vessel's stay in Malaysia costs around 1000 euros per day.

In Limassol, a 48-year-old man confessed to killing his father with a knife. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the man contacted the police to report his act. Officers found the elderly man dead in their home. The 48-year-old was arrested and is being interrogated.

The discussion around the cost-of-living allowance (ATA) has created a significant divide between employers and trade unions, preventing the Minister of Labor from making a proposal. Both sides remain steadfast in their positions, and the latest meeting yielded no results. An additional 10-day extension for consultations has been granted in hopes of reaching an agreement. Despite the situation, unions continue with their scheduled meetings.