5 Minute News

11 days ago

A former cancer patient and educator is appealing to the Ministry of Education and the Educational Services Commission regarding her assignment in Paphos, far from her home in Limassol. Despite her severe health issues, she was not allowed to contest her placement. She claims that daily commutes negatively affect her health condition. She is asking for understanding and sensitivity regarding her situation, emphasizing that she is not seeking privileges but simply wants to work with dignity. The appointment acceptance process did not allow her to inform the Commission of her health status.

Kidney patients in Cyprus are expressing concern over the high cost of living and inadequate support allowances. Hemodialysis patients face additional transportation costs, as the state provides only €75-150 monthly. The number of kidney patients has significantly increased in recent years, while other countries offer more generous allowances. There is a need for informing beneficiaries about applications for allowances. Patients are calling for greater state support and programs for their employment.

A mother of an infant allegedly abused in a kindergarten is denouncing the indifference of the authorities. The child still suffers from fears and sleep issues. Despite the mother's attempts to get help from professionals, their efforts have not been fruitful. She has sent numerous letters to the authorities but has received no response. The child's situation remains serious, and the mother is calling for further investigations.

A new study by the Cypriot Consumers Association finds significant price differences for the same products between different supermarkets. The Sklavenitis chain was identified as the cheapest, with a price gap of over €100 from the most expensive. However, despite the launch of the e-kalathi platform, no significant price reduction was observed in August. The Consumers Association emphasizes the need for transparency in the food market in Cyprus. Although supermarkets monitor promotions, there seems to be no genuine competition.

A Pit Bull bit a two-year-old girl at the Finikoudes waterfalls. The dog was examined and no aggressive tendencies were found, so euthanasia will not proceed. The 24-year-old woman responsible for the dog will face charges for owning a prohibited breed. The Amstaff Club released a statement regarding the incident, emphasizing the importance of dog training. Wishing a swift recovery to the child.

The 'trial' of five Greek Cypriots is continuing in occupied Nicosia. During the proceedings, witnesses from the 'police' department testified about an electronic system used for recording crossings. One of the defendants is facing serious health issues, leading to a decision for him to be transferred to a hospital. The defense challenged the reliability of the evidence presented by the witnesses. The proceedings are set to continue tomorrow with additional witnesses.

A serious incident was revealed by the Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights, Despo Michailidou. A father left his 6-year-old child at the Commissioner's office because he could not take care of it. The child's mother had abandoned them, and the family is under the monitoring of Social Welfare Services. Arrangements have been made for the father to keep the child until today to prepare them psychologically. Efforts will also be made to communicate with the mother.

Energy Minister Giorgos Papapanagiotou faced intense criticism from lawmakers regarding the gas terminal project in Vasilikos. The French company Technip is expected to deliver a study on the project's status and its infrastructure. AKEL's General Secretary, Stefanos Stefanou, called on the minister to admit his mistakes and apologize. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the safety of the infrastructure and compliance with global practices. Additionally, significant amounts have been spent without clear results.

The Renewable Energy and Energy Saving Fund has announced the start of applications for grants for solar water heaters in residential properties. Applications will be accepted until 2,000 submissions are reached. Eligible households include general and vulnerable categories. Grants can reach up to €900 per household, depending on the category. Interested parties must submit applications online and follow specific procedures.

A 79-year-old man was arrested for attacking his 57-year-old tenant when the tenant returned home with his wife. The assailant injured him with a knife and made threats. There was a previous incident involving threats from the 79-year-old, who wanted the tenants to vacate the house. The 79-year-old denies any involvement in the attack. The court ordered his detention for six days.

The police are investigating an assault case involving a 57-year-old man in Limassol. A 79-year-old man attacked the victim and injured him with a sharp object. The 57-year-old was taken to the hospital with a nasal fracture and other wounds. The suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear in court. The Limassol CID continues its investigation.

The Paphos Police is investigating a case of reckless driving and failure to comply with a police signal. The driver sped off, ignoring the signal, and drove dangerously. During the pursuit, the police vehicle collided with a bump. At one point, police fired warning shots to stop the vehicle. The 32-year-old driver was arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.

The chairman of the Energy Committee, Kyriakos Hadjigiannis, called for a declaration of a state of emergency regarding the import of natural gas. He emphasized the need for the President of the Republic to intervene and collaborate with the Parliament and other entities to lift legal obstacles hindering the project completion. He also demanded an investigation by the Attorney General into delays and procedures related to the natural gas terminal. Hadjigiannis expressed his frustration and called for immediate actions concerning energy supply and security. He also addressed the reasons behind the challenges faced in importing natural gas in recent years.

The Alma Movement announced its new leadership, with Odysseas Michailidis at the helm. The purpose of this announcement is to avoid past mistakes and respond to criticism regarding populism. Changes in the Executive Secretariat aim to improve the image of the movement. In the coming period, the Movement will collect signatures and submit a registration application. The goal is transparency and citizen participation in the process.

A two-year-old girl was attacked by a dog in the Limassol area. The dog belongs to a 24-year-old woman who was present and was arrested. The dog was confiscated and is under veterinary examination. It is registered as an American Staffordshire, a breed similar to the Pit Bull which may be classified as banned. The girl is hospitalized with injuries to her legs, but her health condition is stable.

George Pamboridis and Anastasia Anthousi are considering the possibility of joining the DISY candidate list for Nicosia. Their contacts aim to mobilize voters who are politically disengaged. Anthousi seems open to returning to politics, while Pamboridis's decision depends on his ongoing discussions. Their participation could change the internal dynamics of the party and attract voters. Final decisions are expected by the end of the week.

Over 800 people have lost their lives due to an earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, with more than 2,700 injured. The earthquake occurred in a region known for its tectonic activity. Afghan officials anticipate that the death toll will rise as rescue operations continue in remote villages. The area's limited infrastructure makes rescue efforts more challenging. Many houses have collapsed due to the quake, and people remain trapped under the rubble.

The new school year has begun with the return of thousands of teachers to schools. The first weeks are focused on organization and distribution of responsibilities. There are concerns regarding the administrative understaffing of schools, especially following statements from educational organizations. The president of the teachers' union mentions that about 25% of schools are administratively understaffed. The situation remains problematic despite assurances given last year.

The Interior Ministry is rapidly proceeding with the compensation process for the fire victims in the mountainous region of Limassol. By the end of September, compensation is expected for beneficiaries regarding partially or completely destroyed homes. All eligible individuals must sign a responsible declaration to receive compensation. A significant number of properties have already been recorded, prioritizing permanent residences. The process is being completed without bureaucratic delays.

Trade unions are initiating a three-hour warning general strike on September 11, concerning the ATA. The Minister of Labor has urged the unions to halt strike actions and continue discussions for an agreement. Employers' organizations are also calling for the suspension of measures and dialogue. If no substantial proposal emerges, the unions will escalate their actions. The strike will affect all sectors of the economy.

The case involves a complaint against a police officer for threatening a social media user. The Intelligence Service (CYP) took specific actions following the publication of the complaint. The officer had been seconded to the CYP but was later reassigned within the Police. The complaint is linked to a public comment made by the officer, which sparked reactions. Significant questions arise regarding the conduct of the specific police member.

Cyprus has requested defense equipment from the United States to bolster its National Guard. President Christodoulides stated that Cyprus is interested in acquiring specific weapon systems from U.S. surplus stocks. Last year's decision by President Biden allows Cyprus to procure military material at low cost or for free. Cyprus is expecting a positive response from the U.S. following the formal request. The aim is to advance these agreements at the government-to-government level.