5 Minute News

last month

At the stadium in Ammochostos, APOEL fans reacted strongly to Fidia Panayiotou's podcast, which included references to Grigoris Afxentiou. During the league's season opener, the fans displayed a sharp banner against the MEP. The atmosphere in the stadium was heavily charged with emotion. The reactions continue to spark discussions. More details are available at goal.

An American Airlines flight to Phoenix had to make an emergency landing due to a fire from a passenger's device. Flight 357 landed safely at Dulles International Airport in Washington, with all passengers and crew unharmed. The crew managed to contain the fire before landing. Passenger Adriana Novelo reported waking up to smoke and the crew's immediate response. The Federal Aviation Administration has begun an investigation into the incident.

A serious incident reminiscent of an action movie occurred in Limassol. It began when the police attempted to check a suspicious vehicle that tried to escape at high speed. A chase ensued, leading to the vehicle being cornered. When the police approached, the driver aggressively moved toward them, prompting one officer to fire at the car's tire. Nevertheless, the driver managed to flee.

A 44-year-old man was shot in the leg by a hunting rifle in the area of Pera Chorio Nisou. He reported to the police that he was injured from about 30 meters away. He was taken to the General Hospital of Nicosia for treatment. The involved hunter also presented himself at the police station. The incident appears to have occurred in an area open for hunting.

EDEK responds to MP Andreas Apostolou's announcement, expressing surprise and disappointment over his departure from the party without prior notification. The statement emphasizes that his claims are inaccurate and misleading. It notes that Apostolou had no communication with EDEK's leadership since the election of the new leadership. EDEK calls on Apostolou to resign if he has any sense of political ethics. The Political Bureau of EDEK will meet urgently next Tuesday to discuss the matter.

Journalist Michalis Michael discusses the distortion of his statements regarding Grigoris Afxentiou that sparked public controversy. He explains that his comments were misinterpreted and that the attacks against him were based on lies and slander. He emphasizes the need for dialogue and respect for history. Michael asserts that his remarks aimed to enhance understanding of the events surrounding the hero. He also notes that many political parties took advantage of the situation amidst misinformation.

Nineteen-year-old Christos Christakis lost his life after a traffic accident in Mackenzie. His funeral will take place on Tuesday at the Apostolos Loukas Church in Aradippou, where the family requests attendees to wear white clothing. Christos was transported to the hospital but unfortunately passed away. The accident occurred when a friend, who was driving, accidentally ran him over while attempting to get into the car. The case is being investigated by the Police.

The Cyprus Nurses Guild is requesting early retirement at 60 for nurses working with rotating and night shifts. The General Secretary of the Guild emphasizes the need for survival and dignity in a demanding profession. The proposal is supported by international examples and scientific evidence. Investing in the health of nursing staff is crucial for a better healthcare system. There is significant concern regarding the shortage of nursing personnel.

Dimitris Konstantaras passed away at the age of 79. He was a journalist, author, politician, and producer for television and radio. His son, Lampros Konstantaras, shared his sorrow over his father's loss through a social media post. He reminisced and shared photos, expressing his love for his father. The family bids farewell to Dimitris with deep emotion and respect.

Member of Parliament Andreas Apostolou announced his departure from EDEK following a decision that excludes him from leadership candidacy. He considers the decision unfair, stating he was not given an opportunity to discuss the matter. Apostolou expressed feeling hurt by the decision, as he did not expect it. He mentioned that for principled reasons, he will not disclose the letter sent to him unless its contents are challenged. He also apologized to his friends and associates regarding the situation.

The reactions continue regarding the claims about the sacrifice of Grigoris Afxentiou, as presented in a podcast by MEP Fidia Panayiotou. EDEK demands his resignation, deeming him dangerous for Cyprus. Other political parties also express their opposition to the claims, emphasizing the importance of Afxentiou's sacrifice. President Christodoulides responded with a post on Instagram, highlighting the hero's significance. Institutions reiterate that history should not be used for political games.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, analyzes the new EU-US trade agreement, describing it as strong but not perfect. The agreement strengthens cooperation and provides clarity on tariffs. The economic relationship between the EU and the US is the largest in the world, with trade transactions exceeding 1.68 trillion euros annually. Von der Leyen emphasizes the importance of stability over trade wars. The agreement sets a tariff ceiling of 15% for most products.

The national investigative agency of India has launched a criminal inquiry into Anil Ambani following allegations made by the State Bank of India. Anil Ambani is accused of making false statements to obtain loans and misappropriating bank funds. The bank claims it suffered a loss of 29.29 billion rupees due to these actions. Ambani's representative states that he categorically denies the allegations and will defend himself. The investigation pertains to actions taken more than ten years ago.

Alexandra Nikolaidou, partner of Demis Nikolaidis, passed away at the age of 41 after battling cancer. She had been hospitalized at Evangelismos, where her condition worsened dramatically. Despite receiving treatments, her illness continued to deteriorate. Alexandra underwent a mastectomy and had therapies that initially seemed successful. Her passing has brought sadness to her family and friends.

Banks and their policies often draw interest in Parliament, especially during election periods. Several issues, such as charges and elderly service, are expected to resurface in public discussions. Access to cash is a significant concern due to the closure of branches, and banks are attempting to improve their relationship with customers. The number of ATMs and cashback points is increasing, aiming for greater cash accessibility. The issue of taxing banks remains relevant as well.

Eurostat examines the housing differences for people with disabilities in the EU. In terms of home ownership, 66.5% of people with disabilities in the EU lived in owned homes in 2024. In Cyprus, this percentage was 65.7%, while in Greece, it was 82.4%. People with disabilities are less likely to have outstanding housing loans compared to those without disabilities. These differences may be related to age differences in the populations.

The situation in Cyprus is influenced by international relations, with America raising new challenges to international law. The Azerbaijan-Armenia agreement and other tensions are part of a broader American plan. Cyprus is not a top priority, as the international community focuses on other issues. The Cyprus issue is discussed within the framework of the United Nations, unlike Ukraine. Cyprus seeks to ensure its independence without external guarantees.

The EY economic study shows that hosting EuroBasket 2025 in Limassol will cost €7.1 million, with benefits estimated at €17.7 million. The benefits will positively impact tourism and other sectors of the Cypriot economy. Most of the revenue will come from private sources, including ticket sales. There is high satisfaction with ticket pre-sales, including sold-out games. The event is expected to showcase Cyprus on a global stage and attract investments.

Fotini Tsiridou sends strong messages about the need for unity within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. She emphasizes that the party must achieve a strong mandate to implement its policies and move forward responsibly. She highlights the importance of listening to the people's needs and warns against the toxicity that hinders progress. She discusses the role of the party in opposition, focusing on providing alternative ideas and solutions. With the upcoming election process, she stresses the need for planning and determination.

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Konstantinos Kompos, emphasizes Cyprus's active role in sending humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite challenges from Turkey. This mission includes 1,200 tons of aid aimed at benefiting the Palestinians. Kompos points out that Turkey attempts to obstruct Cyprus's efforts through diplomatic pressure and other strategies. He also highlights the need to recognize the existential threat and the seriousness of the situation. Cyprus continues to collaborate with the UN and other countries for the implementation of the aid.

The football clubs APOEL, Apollon, Anorthosis, and Ethnikos Achnas are under scrutiny by the Tax Department to comply with their tax obligations. Following a deadline from the state, they have been readmitted into a debt repayment plan. The tax inspector warns that legal actions will be taken if they fail to meet their commitments. Their total debts amount to €19.8 million, which constitutes over 50% of the sector's total tax liabilities. The plan aims for full repayment by 2037.