Following the meeting between the President and union leaders, there is optimism regarding the Automatic Salary Adjustment (ATA). Participants expressed a positive outlook and proposed ideas for a potential agreement. The discussions included representatives from SEKO, PEO, DEOK, and PASYDY, and it was agreed to refrain from public statements until the union conference on Wednesday. Union representatives left the meeting with expectations for a positive outcome. The final agreement is expected to be clarified in the coming days.
In the Mixed Jury Court of Athens, the sister of the accuser provided testimony against the 43-year-old actor accused of two attempted rapes. The witness described how her sister suffered severe psychological effects from the defendant's attacks. She shared her personal experiences from her relationship with the accused, who had also assaulted her. By deciding to come forward, the family sought to align with the #metoo movement. The trial is filled with tension and emotional weight.
The Ministry of Transport announced progress in replacing defective airbags. Out of 81,060 affected vehicles, 10,782 certificates of roadworthiness have been canceled. Over 63,000 airbags have already been replaced. The Ministry is considering support measures for vulnerable groups waiting for parts. Citizens are urged to respond promptly to the warning.
A fatal traffic accident occurred in Limassol, claiming the life of 60-year-old cyclist Gunter Kohrgruber. The cyclist died instantly after colliding with a car while returning from a biking route. He was struck by the vehicle of a 32-year-old driver while cycling in the opposite direction. His friends found him deceased at the side of the road. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
The Attorney General, George Savvides, expresses concerns about the proposed bills relating to the Legal Service. Despite constitutional reservations communicated during the meeting, he signed the explanatory report to avoid legal issues. If the bill is passed and deemed unconstitutional, he will inform the President. He also emphasized the need for a review process of the Attorney General's decisions. Savvides stated that he would separate his position if the law is considered constitutional by the President.
Anna Aristotelous has filed an appeal with the Administrative Court following a decision that placed her on leave. She was recently appointed as General Director, effective from December 1st. Her lawyer stated that while she respects the decision, she believes there are legal issues. The appeal is unrelated to her promotion to the new position. She is now awaiting the Cabinet's decision regarding her new placement.
Anita Dimitriou, the President of the Parliament, attended a Movember event focused on raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health. During the event organized by the student group 'Protoporia', she shaved the beard of the Deputy Mayor of Nicosia, Andreas Constantinou. This incident was also shared on social media. The event carried interesting and symbolic meanings. It aimed to promote health and well-being.
After 63 years, Pennsylvania authorities have identified the perpetrator of the rape and murder of 9-year-old Carol Ann Dougherty. The perpetrator, William Schrader, was identified through DNA analysis. The crime occurred in 1962 when Carol stopped to pray in a church. Carol's younger sister expressed gratitude for the revelation of the truth. Although Schrader died in 2002, evidence was found through his stepson.
The anxiety for the 14 students and their chaperones trapped in Tanzania due to political unrest is nearing its end. The Foreign Ministry has prepared a repatriation plan via Zanzibar. The students' parents in Cyprus express their concerns and seek assistance from the President. The students are experiencing emotional distress due to lack of information and supplies. Their return is scheduled for today.
Teucros is the first interactive museum guide powered by artificial intelligence, recently introduced in Cyprus. Standing at 75 centimeters tall, it is designed to provide a personal touring experience by merging culture and technology. Visitors interact with Teucros through a screen that displays human expressions. It will initially operate at the Cyprus Museum of Coinage and later expand to other exhibitions. Teucros offers personalized and interactive tours, refreshing the public's engagement with cultural heritage.
Since 2021, a total of 51 people in Cyprus have changed their gender and name. Among these, 20 men transitioned to female and 31 women transitioned to male. The age limit for applying is 18 years, and there is a fee of 80 euros. The process involves a written application and optional medical certificates. After approval, applicants must apply for new documents reflecting their updated information.
In the coming days, the Archdiocese will begin disbursing an allowance to families with three children. The allowance will be given in stages and will apply to children born from January 1, 2025, onwards. The total amount will reach two million euros annually, tailored to the families' needs. The funding will continue until the child turns 18, and applications will be submitted online. The plan aims to provide significant support to families.
President Nikos Christodoulides clarified that the agreement regarding ATAs is unrelated to potential changes in the government. He mentioned that the meeting with employers was productive and that decisions are expected in the coming days. Today, he will meet with the workers' unions. This clarification aims to put an end to speculation about a government reshuffle. The President highlights the importance of discussions with social partners.
More than 650,000 Cypriots live abroad, likely exceeding the number of those residing in Cyprus. The majority of Cypriots outside the country are in the United Kingdom, with estimates ranging from 350,000 to 450,000. Other significant destinations include the USA and Australia. The numbers come from government statistics and may vary. If confirmed, the Cypriots living in other countries could outnumber those living on the island.
Marinos Mousiouttas, an MP from DIPA, commented on the rumors regarding his possible appointment as a minister. He mentioned that he has heard his name being mentioned but has not received any proposal so far. He expressed that he would consider the offer if it were made to him. He also emphasized the importance of a quick government reshuffle for better planning and human reasons. He noted that it seems we are close to government changes.
A new nationwide survey begins to collect opinions and experiences from citizens regarding their personal doctors. The survey is conducted by the Cyprus Patient Federation and aims to improve the services of the General Health System (GeSY) and the patient-doctor relationship. Participation is anonymous and takes only a few minutes to complete. It is highlighted that collecting data will help create a more accurate picture of the health system. Interested individuals can participate through the Cyprus Patient Federation's website.
President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet with union leaders today regarding A.T.A. This meeting follows his discussions with employers, where topics related to A.T.A. and the economy were addressed. The goal is to create a commonly accepted proposal for the upcoming reassessment of the mechanism. The Government Spokesman noted that employer organizations plan to make a final decision about A.T.A. on Wednesday. The President will hold a corresponding meeting with union leaders on Monday.
Significant developments have emerged in the murder case of Stavros Dimosthenous, as authorities uncover key details about the perpetrators. A 31-year-old Georgian is believed to have assisted one of the perpetrators in escaping by providing means and cover. Following his arrest, the court ordered his detention for eight days. Investigations revealed that the 31-year-old's vehicle was found with documents related to movements to and from the occupied territories. He claimed he went to Thessaloniki for business purposes.
This morning, the right lane of the Limassol-Nicosia highway was closed due to a car overturning in the Kornou area. The driver was transported to the General Hospital of Nicosia for precautionary medical examinations. Police are present at the scene to manage traffic and provide assistance. They advise other drivers to be cautious and drive at a low speed. Efforts are being made to move the vehicle from the road using a tow truck.
A traffic accident occurred yesterday afternoon on the Axylo - Nata road in Paphos. Two cars were involved, one of which had three children in the backseat. Injuries included fractures and contusions, but everyone’s health is stable. The older children were taken to the Makarios Hospital, while their parents are hospitalized at the General Hospital in Paphos. The 3-year-old daughter of the first couple was kept for precautionary observation.
In 2024, citizens and businesses in the EU paid more taxes and contributions relative to their income, reaching 40.4% of GDP. Cyprus ranked 14th, with a tax rate of 37.6%. The highest tax rates were recorded in countries like Denmark and France, while the lowest were in Ireland and Romania. The increase in tax revenue is attributed to revenue-raising policies and economic recovery. Tax revenues accounted for 87.8% of total government revenues in the EU.
Maria Angela Olguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, was supposed to start talks on the Cyprus issue in Nicosia but ended up in Amman due to Tufan Erhurman's refusal. Although a meeting is scheduled for December, valuable time is lost in the efforts for a resolution. The Turkish Cypriot leadership is avoiding substantive discussions, hindering negotiations. Meanwhile, the Youth Technical Committee is actively working to foster cooperation between Greek and Turkish Cypriot youth. Despite these challenges, Olguin is committed to promoting dialogue.
Metropolitan Tycikos has been discharged from the hospital and is preparing to return to Cyprus. His health condition and upcoming examinations will impact the likelihood of him signing the letter of repentance requested by the Holy Synod. Despite the pressures surrounding his situation, his intentions remain uncertain. The Church of Cyprus will decide its next steps based on Tycikos's decision. This development has serious implications for his career within the Church.
The government is implementing measures worth €5.25 million to utilize abandoned agricultural land and enhance fire protection. According to the Minister of Agriculture, the measures aim to reduce the risk of wildfires by encouraging farmers and communities to clear and re-cultivate such lands. Financial support focuses on the restoration and revival of agricultural land, providing incentives of up to €1,414 per decar depending on the type of crop and altitude. Overall, these measures aim to improve land characteristics and support agricultural production during climate crisis periods.
Despite new regulations for government advisors, parliamentary aides continue to operate with a lack of transparency. Members of parliament are not required to disclose information about their aides, leading to potential conflicts of interest. The new legislative framework imposes transparency criteria for government aides, whereas parliamentary aides face more relaxed rules. These changes have been criticized by organizations like the GRECO Committee. Proposals to improve the situation remain unutilized.
Property prices are rising in Cyprus and across Europe as demand outpaces supply. Over the last decade, prices have increased faster than incomes, making housing less affordable. Proposed policies in many EU countries often undermine affordable housing. Understanding the factors influencing prices is critical for shaping the right policy responses. The limitation of supply is a key reason for the increased property prices.
The government is planning new desalination units in Limassol, Larnaca, and the free Famagusta area to enhance water security ahead of the looming drought risk in 2026. Currently, five permanent desalination units are in operation, with plans for three new mobile units and one permanent unit in eastern Limassol. The new units will be installed in the summer of 2026 and are expected to cost about €3 million each per year. The aim is to ensure uninterrupted water supply and improve protection against climate challenges. Similar projects are also planned for the Protaras area.