5 Minute News

In Larnaca, new vandalism incidents have occurred at a school. The Chairperson of the School Board, Gianna Nikolaou, notes that offenders act unchecked. The Police are aware of the incidents, but the vandalism persists. The School Board has placed guards on duty and plans to implement stricter measures, such as installing cameras. This situation raises concerns and shame about the vandalism against the school.

China remains the leader in the global shipping fleet, followed by Japan. Cyprus ranks 11th worldwide and 3rd in Europe, with its fleet accounting for 15% of the EU's commercial fleet. Significant changes are noted in ship values, with increased demand for maritime transport due to geopolitical factors. The prices of bulk carriers and containerships have risen substantially. China also possesses the largest number of oil tankers globally.

The Federation of Patient Associations of Cyprus urges political parties to refrain from involving health legislation in their electoral campaigns. Such changes threaten to serve only partisan interests and not the real needs of patients. There is a call for a proactive approach to healthcare policy, especially amid technological advancements. Ongoing disagreements among stakeholders in the health sector need to be clarified. The federation calls for a united resistance against legislation that restricts the growth of the healthcare sector.

In Vorizia, Heraklion, the family of a 39-year-old shooting victim is experiencing deep sorrow. The man left behind five children, three of whom are unbaptized. According to tradition, a funeral cannot occur before the children's baptism. The three children are scheduled to be baptized before their father's funeral. Meanwhile, police forces are on high alert due to the tense atmosphere in the village.

The police have arrested a 31-year-old man linked to the murder of a 49-year-old in Limassol, which occurred on October 17, 2025. The suspect is set to appear in Limassol Court for a custody order. He is related to two Georgians who were previously arrested in Thessaloniki. The investigation into the case is ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and testimonies. The situation remains actively investigated.

In the village of Vorizia, Crete, a feud between two families erupted, leading to mass gunfire with at least three dead. Bullets were fired from Kalashnikovs while residents tried to transport the injured to hospitals. The violence started as retaliation after an explosion of a homemade device the previous night. Police forces are present, but the situation remains tense. Health centers are guarded to prevent further incidents.

In Tanzania, 22 people, mostly Cypriot citizens, are stranded due to unrest and a curfew. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with them through the Crisis Management Center, aiming for their safe return. Coordination involves the High Commission in Nairobi. Cypriot citizens are urged to be cautious and monitor the situation. Those in the country should avoid gatherings and follow the authorities' guidance.

A group of 14 students and two teachers from Cyprus is trapped in Tanzania due to political unrest and dangerous protests. Their volunteer work mission has faced flight cancellations and communication restrictions. Their families and authorities are worried about their safe return. The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns about the risky situation and advises citizens to be cautious. They are awaiting information regarding their repatriation plans.

A 10-year-old student suddenly collapsed in the school yard in Aspropyrgos, causing panic among teachers and classmates. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts from the gym teacher and doctors, the child could not survive, and her death was confirmed. Her father collapsed at the hospital upon hearing the tragic news. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, while the Ministry of Education stated that the girl had no prior medical issues. The incident has shocked the local community and the family of the unfortunate student.

French actor Tchéky Karyo passed away at the age of 72, causing sadness in the film community. Born in Istanbul, he rose to fame in the 1980s and appeared in around 80 films. He is known for his roles in movies like "The Bear" and "Nikita", as well as the TV series "The Missing". His family announced that Karyo died from cancer in Brittany, France. He was also a musician, releasing two albums and remained artistically active until recently.

The Cabinet approves a plan to tackle water scarcity in Cyprus, investing in desalination units. Two permanent and three mobile desalination units will be constructed and installed. The total expenditure for purchasing desalinated water by 2026 will reach €140 million. Significant water shortages are expected in several regions, especially Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, and Famagusta. The units will also operate with renewable energy sources.

The new leader of the Turkish Cypriots, Tufan Erhürman, appears to undermine the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the Cyprus issue. He postponed the meeting with Guterres's envoy, Maria Angela Olguin, to December, casting doubt on the timeline for consultations. Hopes for progress seem to be diminishing, as there is no new strategy from Erhürman. The issue of a meeting with President Christodoulides remains unclear. This situation does not bode well for the ongoing talks on Cyprus.

A new initiative has started in the Central Prisons for the deactivation of mobile phones. This system is already in pilot operation and is expected to be fully functional by 2026. The government is quietly working to solve the issue of illegal possession of mobile phones in prisons, considering human rights. The first phase of the system will be completed by November 2025. The Minister of Justice emphasizes that special measures have been taken due to the proximity of the prisons to residential areas.

Kolybari is significant for the Church of Cyprus and influences the participation of Metropolitan Tychikos. The 2016 Council in Kolybari recognized other Christian denominations, which some considered heretical. The tolerance towards the separated groups is one reason for Tychikos' deposition. The conflict focuses on the Orthodox Church's position regarding other churches. The theologian Theodoros Kyriakou pointed out that Tychikos' confession of faith does not fully satisfy the Church's requirements.

A citizen reported poor conditions at a public hospital and alleged attacks from the medical staff after commenting on social media. He mentioned a lack of empathy and respect from the doctors and nurses. He stated that the staff's behavior made him feel intimidated during his visit. He publicly called for media intervention to improve the situation. He also complained of being denied information about his relative's health.

The Cypriot Institute for the Sea and Maritime has developed sea drones for military and civilian purposes. They established Nautonomy Ltd to commercialize their autonomous maritime technologies. The institute employs 65 people and collaborates with international entities and government agencies. The drones can be used by the police and the Ministry of Defense, as well as for sea protection. The aim is to promote marine robotics and technology in Cyprus.

The recent meeting of employers and trade unions regarding the ATΑ did not lead to an agreement, despite efforts. There were some advances in the dialogue, but disagreements over the minimum wage prevented completion. The trade unions want the ATΑ to be integrated into the minimum wage to support lower-income workers. The next meeting between OEB and KEBE is pending to determine the next steps. Negotiations are expected to be challenging due to the absence of some ministers next week.