A 36-year-old homeless man illegally settled in an unoccupied house in Limassol, using it as a storage for stolen items. Among these were electric bicycles and a collectible gun. Despite the stolen goods, he called the police to report that someone had stolen his personal belongings. His lawyer did not object to his detention for four days. The case has drawn the authorities' attention, and further investigations are expected.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis criticized the AKEL party for populism and misinformation in response to criticisms from AKEL MP Haris Damianos following a legal committee meeting. He pointed out that AKEL's governance had dismal outcomes, including a significant number of murders. Damianos countered that public figures must withstand criticism and that politics should not be personalized. A DISY representative also stated that the minister made inaccurate references. Hartsiotis mentioned that a bill regarding surveillance is currently under review.
A serious car accident occurred on the Audimos - Anogyra road, resulting in the immediate death of a 68-year-old man, Nikos Paris. The driver of the other vehicle is hospitalized with serious injuries. The police are investigating to clarify the circumstances of the crash. The road was closed for 17 hours and reopened after on-site examinations. The 68-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.
In the community of Timi, a 47-year-old was seriously injured while trying to defend a woman who refused to pay for wiper replacements on her vehicle. Two foreigners, who had changed the wipers without permission, attacked him during his intervention. The man was taken to the hospital with severe injuries, including a broken nose. The police are investigating the case as such deceptive practices seem to occur frequently in the area. The perpetrators are currently being sought by the police.
The article discusses an online poll regarding the elections in the occupied territories. It examines the possibility that the election of Tuğrul Erhürman could improve the situation of the Cyprus issue. The survey seems to reflect citizens' opinions on the political future of the region. Public participation and views highlight concerns about the political situation. It is crucial how these elections may impact future developments.
There is a delay in resolving the issue that arose after the removal of Bishop Tychikos. He has not appeared or communicated with the Archbishop, as he is currently at Mount Athos. Though he expressed his intention to comply with the Patriarchate's decisions, there has been no movement or communication from him so far. The Holy Synod will give Tychikos a few more days before deciding on further actions. Developments are expected soon as the deadline approaches.
This year's 'Black Friday' in Cyprus is expected to garner limited interest from both consumers and businesses. The discounts offered are often smaller compared to those in other countries, and shoppers are influenced by both economic and timing factors. Small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to provide significant discounts due to tight profit margins. Existing legislation regarding discounts adds another layer of difficulty for businesses preparing for the day. Most sales in Cyprus are recorded mainly in electronics stores.
John Breslow has been nominated by Donald Trump for the position of US ambassador to Cyprus. He is a businessman and a notable contributor to the Republican Party, with some political experience in the past. Breslow has made significant contributions to political campaigns and has a philanthropic background. Previously, Julie Davis held this ambassadorial position in Cyprus. Born in Nebraska, he successfully operated in the industrial gases and welding supply sector.
President Trump stated that the U.S. has the legal right to strike vessels near Venezuela's shores that are allegedly carrying drugs. He emphasized that the government is prepared to also target ground positions if necessary, which may require notifying Congress. In response, President Maduro asserted that Venezuela possesses 5,000 anti-aircraft missiles to defend against U.S. threats. The legality of such strikes is disputed, and critics accuse the Trump administration of extrajudicial actions. The tension between the U.S. and Venezuela remains high.
The Church of Cyprus is facing a shortage of bishops in its higher leadership, partly due to the expansion of the Holy Synod. This issue became apparent with the elections for the throne of Paphos, which was won by the deposed Metropolitan Tychikos. The Limassol metropolitan seems to have the most candidates available for succession. Archbishop Georgios is seen as controlling the Holy Synod, but future changes in leadership dynamics are uncertain. The Church is in search of unmarried clerics to strengthen its hierarchy.
The President of the Parliament, Annita Demetriou, decided to withdraw 12 high-ranking positions from the 2026 budget following reactions from members of the Finances Committee. Legislators expressed concerns that creating these positions before the elections was inappropriate. This decision was made after discussions that highlighted the members' worries and suggestions. The budget will be resubmitted without the specific positions. Existing positions will remain unchanged for 2025.
Cyprus is positioning itself for the next phase in Gaza by proposing six points for implementing a Peace Plan that includes aspects of Donald Trump's agreement. President Christodoulides has discussed the proposal with the EU, emphasizing Cyprus's significant role. Cyprus can serve as a bridge between the EU and the region, strengthening strategic collaboration. The timing is crucial, with Cyprus set to take over the EU Council Presidency in 2026. The Republic of Cyprus aims to contribute to the international community and to activate processes for regional security and stability.
The discussion of the bill regulating the operation of rehabilitation centers is back in the Health Committee of the Parliament, with proposed amendments from the parties AKEL, DIKO, and EDEK. Organized patients express concerns that the proposed changes are insufficient and still allow centers to operate without proper evaluation. They demand mandatory evaluation of all centers before licensing and warn of potential measures if citizens' interests are not secured. The amendments cover issues of categorization and building requirements. The situation remains ongoing in an effort to find mutually acceptable solutions.
Serious allegations have been made regarding an unauthorized ceremony planned at the protected site of George Grivas's shelter. The Ministry of Interior intervened with an urgent letter requesting immediate review of the complaint. The ceremony is scheduled without any legal approval from the owner or the Monuments Committee. The site is designated as non-privatizable, and any intervention requires approval from the authorities. This appeal arises due to the site's significance and the legal requirements that exist.
The Police is mapping organized crime in Cyprus amid concerns over hit contracts linked to Greek factions. Authorities informed Parliament that they know the individuals involved in organized crime and their areas of activity. Limassol and Larnaca are identified as the most dangerous areas, with plans for the installation of cameras to combat crime. Officials express optimism about solving a recent murder case. The discussion also focused on proposals for monitoring phone conversations.