Donald Trump stated that Hamas must disarm, or the U.S. will take action. This declaration was made during a joint appearance with Argentina's president, where he also mentioned a 'second phase' for Gaza. Additionally, he expressed dissatisfaction with the Spanish government and threatened trade sanctions. Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky to discuss issues related to Tomahawk missiles. His remarks come amid intense diplomatic efforts surrounding Gaza.
Evangelos Tsanggaridis, the First Vice President of ELA(M), unexpectedly resigned a few months before the 2026 parliamentary elections. He did not disclose the reasons for his resignation. Tsanggaridis was expected to run as a candidate in the Limassol district. He also held an active role in the party's organizational structure. His decision has surprised the political scene.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new message to Hamas, demanding the return of the bodies of hostages who died in Gaza. He indicated that the second phase of the Gaza agreement is starting now. Trump's statement comes during a period of uncertainty regarding a ceasefire, as Israel delays humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Hamas has increased its control over the Palestinian enclave. The situation remains tense.
As of today, October 14th, Microsoft stops providing free support for Windows 10. Many users still rely on this operating system, but starting in 2025, there will be no security updates available. This increases the risk of viruses and malware. Users are encouraged to consider upgrading to Windows 11, which offers improved security. If they can't upgrade, they have the option to enroll in an extended security update for an additional year.
In the global ranking of the strongest passports for 2025, Singapore takes the top spot with visa-free access to 193 destinations. South Korea follows with 190 and Japan with 189. The United States drops to 12th place, outside the top ten, sharing it with Malaysia. Greece ranks 6th with visa-free access to 186 countries, while Cyprus is in 14th place with 178 destinations. The report indicates a rise in mobility in Asia and a gradual decline of the US.
The average gross monthly earnings in Cyprus for 2024 are €2,483, representing a 5.1% increase compared to 2023. The largest group of employees (14.2%) earns between €1,000 and €1,249. In the Financial and Insurance Activities sector, salaries reach €4,710, while the Agriculture sector has the lowest at €941. The average earnings for Cypriot employees are €2,506, while for non-Cypriots it's €2,434, with a higher increase seen for Cypriots. These changes reflect trends in the labor market and related incomes.
A serious blunder during the arraignment of the main suspect in court led to her release after the mandatory 24-hour period since her arrest had passed. The 29-year-old, accused of leaking video footage from the court's CCTV, was freed due to procedural errors. The footage is linked to an attempted murder and arson case in Pyla. The Police plan to appeal the court's decision. This situation raises concerns about the ongoing investigation into the case.
A bill concerning the review of the Attorney General's decisions has been submitted to the Legal Service. There was an agreement with the Supreme Court for a judge to review these decisions. If the decision is deemed incorrect, it will be returned to the Attorney General for correction. The European Commissioner for Justice expressed support for this reform. Additionally, two former Attorneys General showed their support for the proposed measures at the conference.
BP recently announced the discovery of the largest oil and gas reservoir in the last 25 years in the Bumerangue offshore area near Brazil. The reservoir is estimated to be 500 meters tall and covers 300 square kilometers. The company is seeking a partner for its exploitation, with Petrobras being a potential candidate. This discovery could impact global energy dynamics, given the shift towards alternative energy sources.
The European Commission's proposal to increase tobacco taxes could lead to significant price hikes for tobacco products. These changes are expected to impact the market in Cyprus, potentially driving citizens towards smuggling. Twelve member states have expressed concerns about an increase in illegal cigarette trade. The proposals have sparked reactions and fears regarding youth health. At the EU level, losses in revenue from smuggling amount to billions of euros.
The attempted murder case in Pyla is developing as a 29-year-old Greek Cypriot was released due to a delayed presentation in court. However, he was arrested again almost a month later when videos were found on his phone capturing the appearances of suspects. The police also arrested a 29-year-old court guard suspected of leaking these videos. Their proceedings continue at Larnaca District Court, with the lawyer for the 29-year-old seeking her release. Both are suspected of charges related to personal data protection issues.
The connectivity issue with government websites has been resolved after a cable fault affected access. The services are now available to the public again, and employees can work normally. Initially, there were suspicions of a cyberattack, but it was later confirmed to be a technical issue. The Deputy Minister of Research and Innovation assured that there was no cybersecurity concern. Teams are currently working on fully restoring service.
President Christodoulides discussed the Cyprus issue with the US President during the Gaza Summit. He highlighted Cyprus's participation in the Summit, noting that some preferred the country not to be there. He presented specific proposals for six initiatives that the Republic of Cyprus can undertake in security and humanitarian assistance. Christodoulides stated that the admission of charges by Simon Aykut supports the government's policies. Cyprus remains committed to the developmental processes already agreed upon.
There is a connectivity issue affecting government services, including the Presidential Palace. Websites such as 'Ariadni' and 'Taxisnet' are inaccessible to users on government computers. Initially, there were suspicions of a cyberattack, but it was later found to be due to a cable cut by the service provider. The Deputy Minister of Innovation stated that teams are working to resolve the issue. Citizens can access the official websites of ministries, but not through government services.
Three contractors have taken on 40.8% of public works in Cyprus for the period 2015-2024. In particular, the contractors Cyfield, Iacovou Brothers, and Cybarco have secured the largest funding, totaling €2.5 billion. The Auditor General highlights that the concentration of projects among a few companies may limit competition and result in delays in project completion. The average delay for project execution is reported to be 461 days. This situation raises concerns about the contractors' ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Subramaniam Ventham was released after 42 years of wrongful conviction for a murder he did not commit. Immediately following his release, he was arrested by ICE for deportation based on an old order. His family anxiously awaits his freedom, as all of them live in the U.S. and Canada. His case raises serious issues of humanity and justice. His lawyers have filed a request for a review of his immigration case.
President Trump's Declaration for Permanent Peace and Prosperity aims to establish a lasting peace process in Gaza. It includes 20 points, with key goals of immediate cessation of hostilities and release of hostages. Additionally, it proposes the deployment of a multinational stabilization force and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military presence. Economic reconstruction of the area through international investments is highlighted as one of the primary goals. Regional leaders have expressed their support for these peace initiatives.
There is a concerning increase in violations and fines in the agri-food supply chain, according to the Department of Agriculture. From 2022 to 2025, 241 inspections revealed many infringements, mainly related to payment delays and misuse of reusable packaging. In 2023, the highest number of violations was recorded with 74 cases. So far, only 28.3% of imposed fines have been paid. The ministry emphasizes the importance of compliance with legal regulations and plans to intensify inspections in 2025.
Former President Nikos Anastasiadis made a leadership intervention at the DISY Political Bureau meeting, proposing a gathering with Averof Neofytou to rally party members ahead of elections. The discussions focused on the party's political line and pre-election strategy, emphasizing party unity. There was a general expectation for a positive agenda and defense of the previous administration. The meeting also addressed issues concerning candidate selections for the elections. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Kaiti Kliridis at the beginning of the session.
Education Minister Athina Michaelidou emphasized that the evaluation of teachers is not punitive but a means of support and empowerment. She presented a bill to amend the current evaluation system, highlighting the importance of principals' involvement. However, educational organizations expressed concerns about bureaucracy and the unclear structure of the new legislation. The discussion pointed out the need for incentives and requirements to improve education. Critics suggest that more problems might arise instead of solutions from the proposed changes.
President Christodoulides presented a six-point plan outlining Cyprus's role in Gaza. This plan relates to the implementation of Donald Trump's peace proposal. The main aim is for Cyprus to contribute to the security, reconstruction, and humanitarian aspects of the region. Cyprus's infrastructure and geographical position make it a significant player in executing the proposal. Christodoulides' proposal aims to strengthen Cyprus's relationships with neighboring countries and the EU.
Simon Mistriel Aykut, who pleaded guilty to 40 charges of usurping Greek-Cypriot land, is awaiting the verdict from the Nicosia Criminal Court. The charges involve 40 plots of land with a total value of nearly €40 million. Aykut, who has been in custody since June 2024, faces a prison sentence of up to 7 years. This case is significant as it marks the first instance of a conviction for usurping Greek-Cypriot land. The final ruling will be announced on October 24.
In the past month, many reports have been received regarding medical negligence and neglect, according to the Patient Rights Observatory. The number of complaints reached 57, with several cases involving patients who died. Citizens have reported long waits in emergency rooms without updates and inadequate care during hospitalization. Particularly concerning are the complaints about surgeries that turned out to be unnecessary or had adverse consequences. These complaints highlight serious deficiencies in the healthcare system.
The Greek government is concerned about the statements made by Finance Minister Makis Karanikolas, who blamed Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou for spreading false news regarding the feasibility studies for the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Greece. The situation is viewed as complicated, and the ministers had agreed to limit their public declarations to move forward united. A conference call with the European Commissioner has already been arranged to further discuss the issues surrounding the project. Karanikolas denies having kept the studies secret, asserting that all relevant parties are informed about them. The Greek side remains committed to the recent agreements made.