A rescue operation took place in the sea area of Nisia in Protaras for an Israeli man who lost consciousness while aboard a sailing boat. Despite the efforts of rescuers and volunteers, the man was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The operation was initiated by the National Search and Rescue Plan and involved boats from the Maritime Police. First aid was provided by lifeguards and other crew members present in the area. The situation ended tragically, causing sorrow in the community.
A serious accident occurred at the Saint Dometios Racetrack in Nicosia when a horse threw its rider and struck an employee. The employee was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. The accident happened shortly before the first horse race was set to begin. The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident. The condition of the injured individual has not been disclosed.
The EYD has placed a member of the Ministry of Education on leave, who is facing criminal charges for indecent assault and sexual harassment in the workplace. The accused, who had requested early retirement, has agreed to be placed on leave to avoid affecting the service. The charges originate from complaints by women, one of which involves a minor. The accused denies the charges and plans to respond in court on October 30. This case has raised concerns and discussions about sexual harassment in the public sector.
Andreas Karamanos withdrew his candidacy for the DISY party list for Nicosia. He decided that maintaining party unity is crucial ahead of the 2026 elections. This move aims to avoid internal party elections and facilitate the process. The final DISY candidate list includes 19 candidates. This action reflects the party's priority on unity and strength in the face of challenges.
Trade unions announced their decision to escalate measures if deemed necessary after a meeting in Nicosia. The focus of the discussion is on the Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (ACLA). They will meet with the Minister of Labour on Friday to discuss government positions regarding ACLA. The unions state they will approach the meeting with a positive attitude, but their stance will depend on the government's proposals. In response to the strikers, they asserted that they would not accept any compromises that do not meet their demands.
The Agios Antonios primary school in Nicosia remains closed due to an electrical issue that caused a power outage. The 144 students have been temporarily transferred to other schools, with field trips and visits organized in the meantime. Electrical repairs are ongoing to restore the situation. The reopening of the school depends on the approval from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), aiming to open tomorrow. EAC representatives are ready to proceed with the inspection as soon as the plans are received.
The 'Phileleftheros' is a major media organization in Cyprus that has recently faced accusations from Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos. Phedonos claims that the organization serves the interests of Forex companies, which is rejected by 'Phileleftheros'. The newspaper emphasizes its objectivity and its 70-year historical journey. It upholds its responsibility to the Republic of Cyprus and its readership. Furthermore, the organization states it will not engage in political attacks or distortion of truth.
Marina Xenofontos will represent Cyprus at the 61st Venice Biennale with her proposal titled 'It rests to the bones.' The selection committee chose her proposal from 21 submissions, highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues. The installation delves into cultural memory and heritage, revealing hidden aspects of Cypriot identity. The event is scheduled to take place from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The committee also expressed sadness over the passing of Koyo Kouoh, who was set to be the artistic director of the Biennale.
The Church has rejected the custom of 'lampradzies', viewing it as religious primitivism and barbarism. Despite a positive outlook previously, the representative of the Archdiocese voiced strong objections to holding 'lampradzies' within the churches. The Minister of Justice countered that there are supportive opinions from other dioceses about the custom. The Union of Municipalities and the Union of Communities are considering the regulation of the bill under certain conditions. The topic is expected to be discussed again in the Committee.
The government has taken a step back regarding its proposal to establish an Audit Council within the Audit Service. Instead, they are advancing procedures to define the term and qualifications of the General Auditor. Justice Minister Marios Harciotis emphasized the importance of ongoing communication and consultation concerning the Audit Council. Lawmakers have proposed ideas regarding impartiality and qualifications. Ultimately, it was decided to study the laws of other countries before making a final decision.
The European Union has requested the Republic of Cyprus to return 67 million euros due to irregularities in the awarding of the Vasilikos terminal to a Chinese consortium. CINEA has rejected the Cypriot government's arguments and confirmed that the consortium did not meet the required criteria. The government's plans now face significant financial consequences, with associated projects costing over 250 million euros. The Republic of Cyprus has until November 2025 to repay the funds. Important construction works remain to be completed, further increasing total expenses.
A private company has proposed the establishment of a desalination unit in Mari to enhance Cyprus's water supply. The unit will have the capacity to process 15,000 cubic meters of water daily. It is primarily intended to meet the cooling needs of an electricity generation plant that the company is building. However, the project is complicated due to pending issues and omissions related to the licensing of the power plant. Despite violations during the plant's construction, the licensing process for the desalination unit is currently underway.
A study by the European Central Bank explores whether workers would accept pay cuts in exchange for flexibility in remote work. In Cyprus, regulations regarding remote work are advancing, with the Minister of Labor set to announce coverage of remote work costs. The research indicates that hybrid work arrangements are the most favored. Workers are not willing to sacrifice significant pay cuts for remote work. Interestingly, 43% of those working fully remotely would prefer to spend fewer days working away from the office.
The case of sexual harassment of an inmate in Central Prisons brings serious allegations to light, as the Police have completed their investigations and suggested criminal charges against two individuals. The complaint was made by the inmate's relatives, who claim that the incident was recorded on video. The inmate was transferred for safety reasons, and an investigation took place within the prison facilities. The Commissioner of Administration visited the inmate to inquire about his situation and the conditions of his detention.
Recent posts by Konstantinos Christofides and Charidimos Tsoukas have led to criticism directed at Odysseas Michailidis. Political pressure is resulting in mistakes that are easily exploited by political opponents. Tsoukas's post was related to a teachers' transfer program with a humanitarian aspect. However, the politicians countered that the situation does not reflect the reality as described. The need for regulatory changes was acknowledged, but gaps still remain.
The MMA and armed patrols have appeared in old Nicosia to enhance security in the area, with the aim of upgrading it and attracting students from Greek universities. Police forces will inspect shops and establishments to detect illegal activities and ensure compliance with health regulations. Patrols at Ledra Street will be strengthened to improve the sense of security for residents and visitors. The visible yet discreet presence of these forces will respond promptly to incidents. The goal is to attract families and support the establishment of the universities.
The Organization of Health Insurance (OAY) has established a 24-hour emergency hotline for the transportation of patients with critical conditions. Doctors will determine if a case is life-threatening and activate the transfer process. This service is designed to operate without delay, with a special OAY team available at all hours. Additionally, the procedure includes guidance for healthcare facilities and physicians. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services in Cyprus.
The meeting between Nikos Christodoulides and Kyriakos Mitsotakis focused on the Cyprus-Greece electrical interconnection, aiming to calm tensions following recent provocative statements. The two leaders emphasized their 'excellent bilateral relations' and the importance of cooperation for the GSI. They highlighted that the interconnection project is of strategic importance and has the support of the European Union. Christodoulides also updated Mitsotakis on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue. His speech at the UN General Assembly will emphasize the significance of multilateral cooperation.