The Ambassador of Palestine in Cyprus, Mr. Abdallah Attari, expressed disappointment regarding the statement made by the Democratic Rally about antisemitic slogans, claiming it equates the Palestinian people with accusations of genocide. He emphasizes that solidarity with victims is a human obligation, not incitement. The Democratic Rally responded by stating that their position was about internal political disputes and did not concern Palestine. The ambassador asserted respect for Cyprus's internal matters but condemned the statement as unfair and insulting. He stresses that Palestinians seek justice and respect for their existence.
A court in Limassol has sentenced a 77-year-old woman to a suspended prison term for animal abuse. She is prohibited from owning dogs for three years, although her sentence was suspended due to her age and circumstances. The woman was found guilty of multiple violations of the Animal Protection and Welfare Law after 11 dogs were discovered in terrible conditions. Authorities began investigating in 2020 following complaints. Tragically, one of the dogs found died due to the abuse.
Hyundai and General Motors have announced a partnership to develop five vehicles for the American market, aiming to increase market share and reduce costs. This collaboration is expected to yield annual sales of 800,000 vehicles, with initial projections at 100,000. The lineup includes electric trucks and SUVs. Hyundai will lead the development of certain models, while GM will take charge of others. This venture harnesses resources and technology, promoting modern solutions and enhancing competitiveness for both companies.
The Price Observatory recorded significant changes in product prices in August 2025. Fresh vegetables saw the largest price increase at +49.3%, while fresh fish and mollusks experienced the greatest decline at -13.4%. Out of 45 product categories, 21 saw increases, 21 saw decreases, and three remained unchanged. There is a trend of decreasing inflation during the summer, refuting price increases in certain areas. The Agency warns that the information is for consumer awareness and not purchase guidance.
The Minister of Transport announced the reoperation of the Road Safety Unit after a meeting of the Road Safety Council. The working group presented proposals aimed at improving vehicle safety, including the establishment of inspections and the education of economic actors. The goal is to restore information flow and strengthen institutional functioning surrounding road safety. The Minister emphasized the significance of these recommendations for public protection. New procedures are expected to enhance overall road safety.
A shocking case has emerged involving a 24-year-old domestic helper from Nepal accused of sexually abusing a six-year-old girl. The child's mother discovered disturbing photos and videos on her daughter's phone. After reporting the incident, the domestic helper was arrested and brought before the court. The investigation is still in its early stages, with expected testimonies and a forensic examination. The phones of both the victim and the suspect will undergo scientific analyses.
In Chania, a two-month-old infant was found dead in its crib. The parents, who were on vacation, alerted the authorities when they noticed that the baby was unresponsive. An ambulance transported the infant to the hospital, where death was confirmed. The initial autopsy suggests the cause of death was asphyxiation. The parents have been arrested on charges of negligent homicide.
The data on the migration issue is positive, as the arrivals of irregular migrants have decreased. 25% of Syrians who had applied for asylum have withdrawn their requests and returned home. The Asylum Service has sped up procedures and most applications are being rejected. Since 2022, over 3,006 international protection applicants have been relocated from Cyprus to other EU member states. Procedures have become stricter, especially for illegal migrants involved in criminal activities.
The cost of restoring damages from the fire in mountainous Limassol is estimated at €40 million, with 320 buildings completely destroyed. These assessments were made by ETKE, which received about 760 damage requests. Of the 650 cases examined, half involved total destruction and the other half partial destruction. The average restoration cost for completely destroyed buildings was €115,000. Final decisions regarding compensation will be made by the Ministry of Interior.
Students held a two-hour walkout today to protest the poor conditions in schools and infrastructure. The Pan-Cypriot Coordinating Committee of Students announced the walkout due to issues like non-functioning air conditioning. Education Minister Athina Michailidou stated that the government is working towards improving schools. Students expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that they are experiencing tragic daily conditions. They warn of escalating protests if immediate solutions are not implemented.
Typhoon Ragasa, with winds exceeding 250 km/h, raises serious concerns in the Philippines and Taiwan. Authorities have initiated evacuations and schools are closed. Severe flooding and landslides are expected in northern Luzon. Taiwan is preparing for heavy rains, while Hong Kong has concerns regarding flight operations. The situation is critical, and authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant.
Inflation affects loan and deposit interest rates. There are real and nominal interest rates, with real rates accounting for inflation. In Cyprus, the mortgage rate has decreased to 3.87% while inflation trends towards zero. The real cost of borrowing varies by country, with some like Argentina displaying negative real interest rates. Assessing real interest rates is crucial for understanding borrowing costs.
The government has activated financial assistance totaling €23.5 million to support farmers and livestock breeders affected by the wildfires of July 23, 2025, in the Limassol district. The aid includes compensation for annual income losses and a special reactivation plan for infrastructure restoration. Over €3.2 million has already been disbursed to 1,307 beneficiaries. Several applications are pending due to insufficient documentation. Payments will be made gradually, depending on the progress of the restoration works.
The Water Development Department (WDD) highlights the importance of dam safety in Cyprus, with planned expenditures exceeding €2.8 million for maintenance projects until 2027. An ongoing program is in place to strengthen infrastructure and restore critical dams. The WDD intends to hire new staff and engage experts for safety improvements. Significant works are planned for the Kouris dam in 2025, with further important interventions scheduled for 2026 and 2027. The increase in budget allocations shows a commitment to maintaining water infrastructure.
Konstantinos Christofidis's post sparked a debate between DISY and the Alima Movement. Christofidis expressed disappointment over the allocation of Elineio to the University of Athens, calling it a 'foreign' institution. DISY responded by stating that such a remark is an insult to the shared history of Greece and Cyprus. The Alima Movement retaliated by accusing DISY of hypocritical patriotism due to their reaction. This conflict highlights political disagreements surrounding education and national identity.
Over 112,000 citizens have downloaded the Digital Citizen app, which aids in managing the Fan Card and tickets for sports events in Cyprus. The app is part of a broader government initiative to improve digital services. Citizens can complete processes without physical presence and hassle. The app has also integrated features that allow interoperability with the Greek Gov Gr Wallet. By the end of 2025, more digital services are expected for the complete digitization of public procedures.
The political tensions in Cyprus escalated following an email from Israeli Minister Amichai Shikli, which requested the removal of anti-Israel slogans in public spaces. AKEL criticized the government for its submissive stance towards Israel and its silence on the Palestinian situation. Meanwhile, DISY countered that AKEL historically addresses international issues with ideological blinders. This debate highlights the divisive political dynamics in Cyprus regarding foreign policy. The clash between DISY and AKEL continues to intensify.
The Mayor of Limassol, Giannis Armeftis, presented strategic proposals for upgrading the city's urban landscape. Key proposals include the renovation of Aktia Street and the relocation of the shipyard. The goal is to create a more pedestrian-friendly public space. The municipality plans a beach cleaning campaign and aims to connect the port with the city center. The Mayor envisions a sustainable and innovative Limassol that benefits both residents and visitors.
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly begins in New York, focusing on the Palestinian issue. The Republic of Cyprus will participate in the summit, although the Cyprus problem will receive less attention. The war in Gaza has influenced the agenda of countries now recognizing a Palestinian state. At the end of the week, there will be a trilateral meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Nikos Christodoulides, and Ersin Tatar, with low expectations for positive outcomes. The statements made by the UN Secretary-General will be important for the future of the Cyprus issue.