Princess Diana of Wales died in a car accident on the morning of August 31, 1997, causing worldwide shock. Her life was full of challenges and sadness, yet she deeply connected with people around the world. Her death mourned by millions honored her legacy. A massive crowd attended her funeral, while millions watched it live on television. Diana remains a cherished figure in the memory of many.
Androulla Vassiliou expressed her concern about the national anthem played during the Cyprus-Greece Eurobasket match. She noted that such nationalistic displays could be used by others as an example of intolerance. She warned that the consequences of these actions might be negative and do not remain local. Her statement reflects the need for caution regarding national pride. She urged to consider how our attitudes impact international relations.
Unions have announced a three-hour general strike for ATA on September 11. The decision was made during a pan-union conference held on Monday. Workers will stop working from 11 AM to 2 PM. This protest pertains to ATA and employment conditions. Further details will be provided shortly.
Anita Dimitriou, the President of the House, spoke about her experience at Eurobasket, emphasizing that Cyprus can host such events. She responded to negative comments regarding the playing of the national anthem during the Cyprus-Greece match, expressing pride in the national identity of Cypriots. She condemned the questioning of heroes and national memory, highlighting the need for political stability and the safeguarding of history. She emphasized that division and discord do not help the progress of the country. Dimitriou underscored the importance of staying true to our values while addressing contemporary issues faced by the nation.
A dog attacked a two-year-old girl at the waterfalls in Foini. The dog, belonging to a 24-year-old woman, was not on a leash and is currently held by the authorities. Veterinary Services will examine the dog to determine its breed and aggression levels. The girl was injured and is hospitalized, but her condition is not life-threatening. The dog's owner is in custody for negligent behavior.
Cypriot graduates find it relatively easy to secure employment, according to Eurostat statistics. Eight out of ten graduates from secondary and tertiary education found jobs in the previous year. Cyprus ranks 14th in the EU, with an employment rate of 83.5%, surpassing the European average. The highest employment rates are in the Netherlands and Germany, while the lowest are in Italy and Greece. Graduates with higher education are better protected against unemployment.
According to a report, the wealth share of the richest 10% in Cyprus has increased from 50.7% in 2000 to 66.7% in 2023. Cyprus recorded the largest increase in wealth concentration in Europe, resulting in greater inequality. The 'golden passport' program attracts wealthy foreign investors and has driven property prices up. Globally, the wealthiest 1% own more wealth than the rest of the population combined. Significant examples of inequality include China and South Africa.
A 2-year-old girl was attacked by a dog at the waterfalls in Phini. She was taken to the hospital with leg injuries and will undergo surgery. Her health condition is not in danger. The dog has been taken for examination and its owner has been arrested. The police are investigating the incident.
The defense ministers of Greece and Cyprus met to discuss the collaboration between the defense industries of the two countries. Their goal is to jointly develop defense programs through the European Union. Additionally, Cyprus seeks to participate in joint procurement programs with other EU countries for better pricing. The ministers also examined the situation in Ukraine and how to strengthen military support from the EU. They emphasized the importance of the European defense industry for the Union's strategic autonomy.
The parliamentary committees discussed the recruitment processes at the Department of Forests, highlighting issues of understaffing and lack of professional planning. Forest workers are striving under challenging conditions but critiqued the overall undervaluation of their work. The reduction in the number of forest employees in recent years is alarming. It is mentioned that the Forestry College will reopen in 2025 with 20 students, but there is also a need for a university forestry program. The lack of personnel is expected to worsen if immediate actions are not taken.
The Alykes Park will be established on a 40,000 sq.m. site where the former leprosarium in Larnaca is located. At the center of the project will be the Environmental Awareness Center (EAC), which aims to provide information and promote the study of the important wetland of the area. After 15 years of delays, the project is moving forward, and an architectural competition has been announced. The park will feature paths, viewing spots, and benches for recreation and educational purposes. All interventions will respect environmental terms.
The 'Elpis' app has helped 50 women seek assistance in cases of domestic violence. Since its launch in 2025, the police have responded promptly to calls for help. The Minister of Justice highlighted the progress made in 2024 regarding the strategy against violence towards women and the training of professionals. There is also a public awareness campaign addressing violence against women. The app allows for 'silent' calls to the police for protection.
Voices calling for cooperation between center-right and traditional right are growing stronger, with lawmakers emphasizing the need to unite against populism. Christos Pantelidis and Haris Georgiadis highlight that their shared interests on key issues in Cypriot society outweigh their differences. They stress the importance of maintaining a stable path for development and social welfare. However, there are dissenting views that question the feasibility of such cooperation. The debate seems to be ongoing within the political landscape.