The ordeal for many families in Israel has come to an end as 20 hostages held by Hamas were released after 738 days. Families are reunited with their loved ones after two years of anguish and waiting. The handover of the hostages took place with the mediation of the Red Cross and was a highly emotional moment. Some had the chance to say their last goodbyes to their beloved. This day marks a significant moment for the families and society in Israel.
In Limassol, a traffic accident that occurred on September 4 resulted in a fatality. A 65-year-old man from Romania, who was hit by a bus, succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalized in a private hospital. The man suffered severe injuries that affected vital organs. The Limassol Traffic Police is investigating the circumstances of the accident, which took place while the bus driver was attempting to stop. Investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of the incident.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, presented six proposals for supporting Gaza during the Summit in Egypt. These proposals focus on areas such as security, reconstruction, and humanitarian aid. The President emphasized the importance of cooperation with neighboring states and the European Commission. This initiative follows the previous presentation made in October 2023. The goal is to ensure the implementation of the first phase of the agreement for the region.
Member of Parliament Alexandra Atalides has introduced legislative proposals aimed at protecting elderly drivers in Cyprus. These proposals include prohibiting age discrimination in insurance contracts and imposing fines of up to €100,000 on insurance companies that violate these regulations. Important data shows that elderly drivers are rarely involved in accidents. There are concerns about the management of their insurance premiums. The proposals aim to secure their rights and prevent exploitation.
On October 24, the sentence for Simon Mistiel Aykout will be announced after he admitted to 40 charges of fraudulent property transactions. This decision is unprecedented as it involves the usurpation of Greek Cypriot land. Aykout has been in custody since June 2024, and his sentence may consider the time he has already served. The hearing process was halted due to an agreement between both sides. The court president stated that the sentence will be revealed on the 24th of the month.
Two vehicles have been stuck in the Larnaca salt lake for five days after one driver attempted to help another. The Larnaca municipality will undertake the recovery operation, costing €5,000, which the owners will have to pay. The mayor stated that the process will depend on the weather conditions and will take 2-3 days. The illegal entry of vehicles into the salt lake has raised concerns about the wetland. It was reminded that the area has been protected since 1997 due to its ecological importance.
Allwyn International AG and OPAP S.A. have announced the creation of a new company valued at €16 billion, named Allwyn. This merger establishes the second largest publicly listed gaming company worldwide, with a presence in various markets. The partnership started in 2013, and Allwyn currently holds 51.78% of OPAP. The agreement aims to provide long-term value for shareholders and facilitate digitization and innovation. In the future, OPAP will rebrand to Allwyn, strengthening its connection with customers.
Makis Keraunos responded to Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou's comments regarding the Cyprus-Greece interconnection. He revealed that he submitted the feasibility studies to the ministry in November 2024. Keraunos stated that he is ready to support the government and expressed concerns about the positions taken by the EU. He raised issues regarding the funding and viability of the project. MP Charis Georgiadis intervened to support Keraunos's stance.
Actress Anna Kyriakou, known for her role as Bebecka in the play 'Three Graces,' passed away at the age of 95. The news of her death was announced by Spyros Bibilas on Facebook. Her funeral will be held at the First Cemetery of Athens on Wednesday, October 15. She was a beloved and talented figure in theater and cinema, with a career spanning over 70 years. Friends and colleagues express their heartfelt condolences.
The Constitutional Court unanimously rejected the request by Doria Varosiotou, which related to her appeal against the decision of the Supreme Judicial Council to terminate her services. Varosiotou was seeking a suspension of her case pending a ruling from the European Court of Justice. The question raised concerned the violation of the principles of independence and tenure of judges. The termination of her services raises issues related to the disciplinary process. The court's decision affirms its position regarding procedural regularity.
There has been a significant development in the case of Simon Mistirel Aykut, who is accused of large-scale misappropriation of Greek Cypriot properties. Aykut is set to admit to some of the charges against him, as announced by his lawyer. She indicated that some charges will be withdrawn and requested time to address this issue. The Court has temporarily adjourned the proceedings, which are scheduled to resume later. This development suggests that Aykut is seeking to mitigate his sentence.
The third phase of the Nicosia Ring Road is launched, extending 9.4 kilometers from Anthoupoli to the community of Anagyia. The project includes four interchanges and a valley bridge approximately 200 meters long. The tender for the construction was announced on October 10, with a deadline for expressions of interest set for November 21, 2025. Construction is expected to start in June 2026 and will last for 40 months. The estimated cost of the project is €95 million, with €43.4 million funded by the EU.
Bashar al-Assad appears to be living in Moscow, protected by Putin, in a luxurious skyscraper. His family enjoys royal amenities with several residences in the complex. Despite rumors regarding his health, Assad's condition remains 'stable.' There are suspicions of possible poisoning, but official information is scarce. His presence in Russia is largely unknown to the public, though Russian secret services ensure his safety.
George Chrysochoumidis, a 23-year-old, won first prize at the Stelios Awards and is donating the €100,000 prize to young entrepreneurs and families in financial need. He emphasized the importance of sharing success and hopes to inspire others to view entrepreneurship as a means of social contribution. His company, Shrine Solutions Ltd, has become a successful example of innovation in Cyprus. Chrysochoumidis sends a message of solidarity to the younger generation, highlighting the social responsibility of entrepreneurs. His action showcases the blend of innovation and humanity.
The DISY party completed its internal elections in Limassol, resulting in dissatisfaction among some members. The path to the parliamentary elections begins with a meeting of the Political Bureau to confirm the party candidates. There are still vacant positions in the candidate lists for Larnaca and Paphos. Annita Demetriou is tasked with finding solutions to complete the candidate list in Larnaca. Initial reactions from candidates in Limassol indicate displeasure with the election outcome.
The newspaper 'O Fileleftheros' has released a commemorative edition, 58 years after a tragic event that shook Cyprus and Greece. It reflects on the crash of the 'Comet' aircraft near Kastellorizo, leading to 66 fatalities. The current edition includes additional information and material from a historical issue from 1974 regarding the return of Greek Cypriot prisoners from Turkey. These reports connect the past with the present. This effort serves to preserve historical memory.
The discussion on the state budget for 2026 begins in the Parliamentary Economic Committee, with Finance Minister Makis Keraunos presenting the government's plan to address fiscal risks and encourage development. The budget amounts to €10.7 billion, with expected revenues of €12.6 billion, anticipating a growth rate of 3.1% and a reduction of public debt to 52.9%. The government's focus also includes tax reform, with upcoming changes aimed at fighting tax evasion. Despite some reservations from professional associations, the political parties DISY and DIKO are expected to collaborate for the approval of the reforms. In terms of taxation, many changes aim to promote economic stability.
The Department of Town Planning and Housing rejected the construction of a 26 MW solar park in Alektora. Despite the initial positive opinion from the Department of Environment, the project is not moving forward due to the lack of a plan for connecting to the electrical grid and the absence of assessment of environmental impacts. The existing substations in the area are saturated. The TPH believes the project's location does not meet urban planning criteria. Upgrading of the connection infrastructure is needed before proceeding with the project.
Today, three individuals are brought to trial for the kidnapping of a 48-year-old Romanian woman. The suspects include two Romanians and one Cypriot, facing charges of unlawful detention and trafficking. The case came to light following a tip-off from Romanian authorities to Cyprus. The victim reported that she had been held in a hotel and forced to meet with clients. Authorities acted by issuing arrest warrants for the three suspects.
Cyprus agriculture is undergoing changes with a new strategy aimed at sustainability and competitiveness. Despite a decline in its contribution to GDP, agriculture remains crucial for the economy and society. The aging agricultural population and lack of education among farmers are significant issues. Climate change also affects productivity negatively. A new Risk Management System has been implemented to protect producers from the impacts of climate crises.
Cyprus is participating in the signing of the agreement for Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh, following an invitation from the USA and Egypt. This involvement confirms Cyprus's upgraded geopolitical role in the region. Cyprus is recognized as a factor of stability and humanitarian aid in the Middle East. President Christodoulides publicly thanked the leaders of the USA and Egypt for the invitation. A total of 23 countries and three international organizations have been invited to join the process.
In November, a plan for enhancing the governance of public entities will be presented to the Cabinet. The plan is based on recommendations from IMF experts and focuses on 22 entities. Concerns have been raised regarding fiscal risks due to high debt levels and potential losses. State subsidies may need to increase if the entities are negatively impacted. The situation requires careful monitoring to ensure public financial health.