The destructive fire in the mountainous Limassol was caused by the careless disposal of cigarette butts into dry vegetation, according to American experts. The investigation pinpointed specific ignition sites and determined that the environmental conditions prior to the fire were ideal for ignition. The fire spread at a rate of 60-63 meters per minute due to the local terrain and strong winds. This situation raises concerns about the increasing threat of fires in Cyprus, especially during the summer. Notably, even just two cigarette butts were enough to cause such extensive destruction.
The Paphos–Polis Chrysochous highway project is facing significant delays, with the costs increasing to €90.2 million. Initially, the contract was worth €72.979 million with a planned completion in 2024. The contractor made many requests for additional time and costs, which were deemed excessive. During the execution, it was noted that the work progressed only by 21.1%. The Department of Public Works states that efforts were made to support the contractor, but the situation led to the cancellation of the contract.
The report from American experts regarding the deadly fire in Limassol has been published. It examines the causes that led to the fire. The details of the report are available to the public. The investigation is significant for understanding the incident. The experts shared their findings transparently.
From September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027, the monthly fare for students will be set at 5 euros, with state support provided. There is also an annual fare of 30 euros, with a corresponding subsidy. Children from large families or families of five, attending public schools, will have free travel. Students will need to obtain a personalized 'Motion' card to use these fares. In the first week of the school year, student transport will be free to facilitate the issuance of 'Motion' cards.
The increase in digital payments has led to more incidents of card fraud, while bank robberies have nearly disappeared in Cyprus. The Central Bank published a report showing a 34% rise in fraud cases in 2024 compared to 2023. Card fraud incidents have more than doubled in the last two years in Cyprus, though they remain lower compared to the Eurozone. The fraud rate on card payments reached 0.01% of total transaction volume. Despite the rise, rates in Cyprus are lower than those in the Eurozone.
A 79-year-old woman, Philothei Mourtzihi, was found dead in her home in Larnaca. A fire broke out around 12:30 in her bedroom but was extinguished by the Fire Department. Neighbors noticed the fire, entered the house, and found her unconscious. Upon the arrival of the ambulance, she was pronounced dead. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Ministry of Transport and the Department of Road Transport announced the reallocation of grants for electric vehicles. The grants pertain to category G9 and are available for the purchase of used zero-emission vehicles with a subsidy of €9,000. The online application portal will open on September 2, 2025. Interested parties can apply until September 16, 2025, or until the available grants are exhausted. The Department reserves the right to end the process earlier with a seven-day notice.
Stelios Antoniou, aged 51, was sentenced to two life imprisonments for two premeditated murders committed in Ypsonas in June 2023. The Limassol Criminal Court found that the charges were fully substantiated based on witness testimonies and evidence. The second defendant, Andreas Konstantinou, was found guilty of manslaughter, not premeditated murder. The defense is seeking a reduction of the sentences and stated that both defendants did not admit to any charges. The trial process lasted nearly two years.
Mihalis Mihail is responding to claims regarding the death of Grigoris Afxentiou, specifically addressing historian Petros Papapoliviou. He denies assertions that he stated Afxentiou committed suicide, emphasizing that his comments are being misinterpreted. Mihail points out that his remarks were based on a forensic report indicating that the circumstances of Afxentiou's death do not suggest suicide. The exchange highlights confusion surrounding the truth of the events and their interpretations. The core of the disagreement seems to revolve around misinterpretations of his statements.
The environmental organization Terra Cypria has reported illegal earthworks in the sensitive environmental area of Asprovikla, near Natura 2000 protection zones. The activities involve excavations and fillings in a non-development zone. Terra Cypria requests information about the necessary permits and environmental assessments. The Akamas Municipality and the Department of Environment have initiated administrative actions against the alleged offender. The organization warns that inaction poses a threat to nature and the rule of law.
The results for admission to Higher Education Institutions in Greece for 2025 have been announced. Candidates from Cyprus can also check their results. Cypriot candidates fall under the category of foreign applicants. The announcement allows these candidates to understand their position and progress. This process is significant for their academic journey.
Strict security measures were implemented at the Larnaca Court for the appearance of a Syrian convict, allegedly involved in a serious case of attempted murder and arson. The suspect was detained for 8 days, while two other men have been arrested as potential links to a criminal network. A mobile phone and an adhesive believed to be impregnated with narcotics were found in the suspect's cell. Investigators are searching for the culprits and the stolen vehicle used in the crime. The case includes serious charges such as attempted murder and arson.
President Nikos Christodoulides awarded the Medal of Outstanding Contribution to eight distinguished Cypriot expatriates. The event took place at the Presidential Palace, attended by state and ecclesiastical officials, along with expatriates participating in the World Conference of Cypriot Diaspora. The President highlighted the importance of the Cypriot Diaspora's contributions to the homeland. The honorees expressed gratitude and supported the President's efforts for the resolution of the Cyprus issue. The event emphasized the significance of the awardees' lasting contributions to Cyprus.
Significant developments are taking place in the attempted murder case in Pyla, with the arrest of a 44-year-old convict allegedly involved. This case, which also includes the arson of several vehicles, has prompted police action, as investigations continue across three districts. A total of three arrests have been made, with suspects facing serious charges including attempted murder and conspiracy to commit a felony. Authorities are trying to locate the vehicle and weapons used in the crime. The situation remains tense, and security measures in the courthouse are stringent.
An officer working in the Cypriot Intelligence Service has left her position following a complaint of threats made against a citizen. The complaint came from Nicoletta Andreou-Tsikkini, who publicly revealed the officer's identity on social media. The report was submitted to the parliamentary Human Rights committee. Both parties have experienced repercussions from the public unrest caused by this situation. According to the law, revealing the identity of a member of the intelligence service constitutes a criminal offense.
Thirty-six days after the devastating fire in the Mountainous Limassol, some communities have done nothing to clean dry grass from the edges of roads. This dry grass poses a danger as it can easily catch fire, especially when drivers throw out lit cigarettes. Despite calls from authorities, many areas remain uncleaned, which may lead to serious consequences. The Municipality of Lefkara has recently announced plans to clean wild grass from main and agricultural roads. This issue affects the entire country and is linked to the recent disastrous fires in the area.
The government is planning measures to reduce the cost of the public salary scale. Finance Minister Makis Keraunos stated that the discussion around the public salary scale is exaggerated. The salary scale for public employees is set to be lower in the 2025 budget. He emphasized that there are fewer positions for public employees compared to previous years. Additional studies will be submitted to address this issue effectively.
A recent report indicates that 60% of the burned houses in mountainous Limassol were built without permits. Out of the 710 affected buildings, only 293 are considered legal. There are also reports of 221 additional cases with no permits found. The mayor of Kouris suggested that the proportion of unlicensed homes might be higher than initially estimated. This situation highlights issues within the construction sector.
State Authorities and the Akamas Municipality are facing strong criticism for allowing a private party in Agios Georgios Peyias, an area protected under the Natura 2000 network. The Audit Office stresses that necessary permits were not obtained and criticizes the authorities for inaction despite warnings. The mayor of Akamas argues that the municipality's events have not previously raised objections and accuses specific NGOs of targeting them. The issue is currently under investigation and legal repercussions could follow. The President of the Paphos District Authority dismisses concerns about environmental issues as excessive.
The Minister of Finance has made it clear that strict measures against tax evasion will not be removed from the tax reform. The government estimates that these measures will generate 130 million euros, covering losses from tax deductions. Despite objections from professional associations, he assures that the philosophy of the reform will not change. He emphasizes that equal treatment of taxpayers is the goal. The tax commissioner will not act as a judge, and the government aims for effective combat against the shadow economy.
Public employees will undergo training before teleworking is implemented, as education is required. The government is launching a competition for the development of an e-learning program worth 70,000 euros. The courses will cover topics such as legislation for teleworking, technological tools, cybersecurity, and skill development. The aim is to prepare public employees for the new working conditions. The date and details of implementation will be decided by the Cabinet.
The mother of one of the main suspects in the bribery case related to the leasing of aircraft has been summoned to testify before the Police. Her testimony is expected to be lengthy as she will be questioned about criminal offenses linked to the procurement process of the Forestry Department. There are indications that she had ties to a company that won contracts, raising questions about potential connections. The final decision on pursuing charges will be made by the Attorney General's office. The case appears to have many aspects and details that require investigation.