The District Electoral Conference of AKEL in Limassol elected 12 candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The candidates include professionals such as lawyers, educators, and company executives. The election process was conducted through a secret ballot with participation from 348 members. Each candidate has a distinct professional background and experience. The candidates are expected to contribute to the promotion of AKEL's policies in the Limassol district.
Nine-year-old Melody Bazard has been missing for 35 days in the United States, last seen during a road trip with her mother, who wore a wig. The mother has not cooperated with authorities and has not been charged with any crime, despite concerns for Melody's safety. Investigators are examining the circumstances of the trip and are seeking more evidence to proceed. The case has garnered national interest, and authorities continue their investigation with the support of the FBI.
A painting by Gustav Klimt was sold for $236.4 million, setting a record and becoming the second most expensive artwork ever auctioned. The painting, known as 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer', was created between 1914 and 1916 and depicts Elisabeth Lederer, the daughter of the artist's wealthy patrons. The artwork was looted by the Nazis and nearly destroyed during World War II. The auction took place at Sotheby’s and lasted 20 minutes, with the buyer remaining anonymous. The painting was owned for many years by Leonard Lauder, who recently passed away.
The Police in Paphos was alerted on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a man injured by a knife. The incident occurred outside a kiosk. The victim was taken to the hospital with a serious neck injury. Police arrived at the scene to investigate the circumstances of the attack. The investigations are ongoing.
The Education Committee of the Parliament is taking on a mediating role regarding the new teacher evaluation scheme. During the meeting, it was decided to discuss the bill and begin consultations with educational organizations and the Minister of Education. The goal is to improve the bill and make it more acceptable. There is uncertainty about how educational organizations will respond, as they have warned of escalating measures. The Minister of Education emphasized the importance of both evaluation and professional advancement for teachers.
Miltos Miltiadous resigned from the DISY monitoring council in response to criticisms from Efthymios Diplouros against OSAK. He described recent statements as 'ridiculous' and emphasized OSAK's efforts to integrate all health services and medications into GESS. He highlighted the importance of medical evaluation and strict criteria. Miltiadous stated that the current situation does not allow him to continue his role, leading to his resignation. His statement aims to reassure patients and respond to the accusations made against him.
A 20-year-old man was sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of a minor under 13 years old. He picked up the student outside her school and engaged in inappropriate actions. The minor reacted and self-harmed during the incident. The court deemed his behavior serious and unacceptable. He was given penalties aimed at protecting children and preventing similar crimes in the future.
President Nicos Christodoulides announced the interest of energy giants in operating within Cyprus's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He will visit Lebanon on November 26 for discussions about energy planning. The government's strategy focuses on ensuring electricity adequacy and affordable prices. The importance of Renewable Energy Sources and energy interconnections is highlighted. The President also announced plans for grants for energy storage systems.
Odysseas Michailidis responds to accusations from Andreas Chasapopoulos, claiming a character assassination campaign against him. He asserts that the attacks intensified after their falling out in 2025. Michailidis describes the public release of private messages as a vindictive act. He is determined to continue his fight against corruption and accuses establishment forces of trying to eliminate him. He emphasizes that Chasapopoulos's allegations are contradictory and unfounded.
Namık Tan, a deputy from the Republican People's Party, criticized President Erdoğan for Turkey's policy in Cyprus. He claims that Turkish Cypriots are condemned to an inability to find a solution and that the region has turned into a hub of crime and corruption. He warns that this situation harms the reputation of the Turkish Cypriots. Furthermore, he condemns Turkish interventions in the elections of the Turkish Cypriot community. Finally, he states that the current policy reinforces the isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
The analysis of 47,000 ChatGPT conversations reveals the relationship developing between users and cold algorithms. The conversations cover a variety of topics, from personal relationships to philosophical questions. However, ChatGPT tends to overly agree with users, impacting the quality of its responses. This may lead to a warped representation of the user's ideas. Researchers warn about the risks of this digital interaction.
Since 2017, there have been 2,217 reported cases of child sexual abuse in Cyprus. Proposed laws are being considered for chemical castration of pedophiles and for life imprisonment upon a second conviction. The proponent argues that chemical castration is reversible and consensual. However, representatives from the Ministry of Justice express concerns and suggest implementing therapeutic programs first. The issue will be revisited after relevant studies are provided.
The president of OELMEK, Dimitris Taliadoros, made a remark to the Speaker of the House, Annita Dimitriou, regarding her arrival time. Dimitriou countered that he seems to have a tendency to comment on women. Taliadoros highlighted that he did not specifically mention women, and Dimitriou questioned whether he sets her schedule. Later, Taliadoros attempted to clarify a previous comment about the Minister of Education, claiming it was not sexist. This interaction reflects the challenges in discussing gender issues in politics.
Traffic congestion on Tseri Avenue is severe, especially during morning and evening rush hours, due to ongoing renovation works. Drivers are facing significant delays and frustrations, with temporary traffic measures failing to ease the situation. The completion of the projects is expected to be delayed, as existing delays could prolong the timelines. Residents have reported safety concerns, citing incidents where ambulances arrived late. The situation raises alarm among citizens regarding road safety.
Dimitris Taliadoros described the proposed teacher evaluation system by the Ministry of Education as 'ridiculous.' Protests by dozens of teachers occurred outside the Parliament. Taliadoros emphasized that they cannot accept a system that has not been agreed upon. He called for a fair and meritocratic evaluation that respects teachers and human rights. The discussion for the bill is set to begin this afternoon.
Cyprus has been recognized as one of the top 10 winter destinations according to a recent publication. Temperatures remain mild, around 23°C, until November. This weather allows for pleasant outdoor activities, such as visiting archaeological sites. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Limassol without the summer heat. Cyprus thus provides an appealing option for winter vacations.
Convenience store owners in Cyprus are protesting against a proposed tax increase on tobacco products that could raise the price of a cigarette pack from €4.70 to €7. They warn that this increase will enhance smuggling and negatively impact their revenue. The Association of Permanent Convenience Stores is demanding that Cyprus be exempt from the European directive. Store representatives plan to meet with government officials to advocate for their requests. Additionally, they are highlighting challenges related to managing their businesses.
Vanessa Kollias, a 27-year-old Greek-American, confessed in court to killing her two young sons, Dimitris and Giannis, just days after her husband died of cancer. She claimed that she wanted to unite the family in paradise. After jumping from her apartment balcony and becoming paralyzed from the waist down, Kollias was sentenced to life imprisonment. Her tragic family situation reveals deep sadness and mental illness. In court, she expressed her love for her children and her inability to continue living without them and her husband.
The Trump administration has secretly prepared a new plan to resolve the war in Ukraine in collaboration with Russia. The plan includes 28 points and focuses on issues like peace in Ukraine and U.S.-Russia relations. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, is working on this plan and has met with Ukrainian and Russian officials. Simultaneously, U.S. military officials are visiting Kyiv to collaborate with local authorities on the peace process. The plan seems to have supporters in the U.S. and Europe.
The visit of Konstantinos Kumbus to Washington and his meeting with Marco Rubio confirmed the positive relationship between Cyprus and the USA. The Cypriot government acknowledges the importance of the strategic relationship and the promotion of collaborations in various sectors. Washington appears to see Cyprus as an important partner, making their relations strategic. There are elements like strategic dialogue and cooperation on security issues that strengthen the bond. Cyprus is entering a new phase of international presence and influence.
The political proposal of Odysseas Michailidis and the Akela party seems to be affected by revelations and accusations from Andreas Hasapopoulos. Indications suggest that public support for Akela is dwindling as new political figures, such as Pheidias Panagiotou, impact the party's electoral strength. These revelations bring disappointment to Michailidis's supporters, with consequences for the political dynamic. The situation raises concerns regarding the staffing of candidate lists and the electoral success of Akela. There's a palpable sense of dissatisfaction and uncertainty in the political landscape.
Nicosia plans to invite Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to participate in the informal Foreign Affairs Council, Gymnich, taking place in Cyprus. Germany, through Chancellor Friedrich Merz, supports this initiative and believes that the invitation will contribute to reviving dialogue between the EU and Turkey. Fidan stated that Ankara sees the beginning of a new era in its relations with the EU, although he did not mention specific steps. The Cypriot government spokesperson emphasized that Turkey must take initiatives to progress in its European journey. Germany could play a role in activating EU-Turkey relations.
Cyprus ranks first in resistance to MRSA infections, and infections from Klebsiella pneumoniae have dramatically increased over the past five years. Despite being ranked sixth in antibiotic consumption in the EU, Cyprus's levels remain above the European average. Rates of infections related to MRSA and Klebsiella pneumoniae are alarmingly high, reaching almost six times the European average. This situation raises significant public health concerns. The EU aims to reduce antibiotic consumption by 20% by 2030, yet current data shows an upward trend.
The police arrested a 22-year-old National Guard conscript as a suspect in an attempted murder case in Dromolaxia. There are reports suggesting that the young man is also involved in other criminal activities. A loaded pistol, human-like masks, and other evidence were found in his home. The suspect allegedly monitored the victim for several days before the attack. Investigations into cases related to organized crime are ongoing.
Following the criminal prosecution of eight individuals connected to the documents from the Central Prisons, seven have been placed on suspension. This includes Anna Aristotelous, a former prison director, and four prison guards. A process regarding the suspension of Athena Dimitriou is also underway. Aristotelous is set to assume new duties soon, complicating her case. The government spokesperson emphasized that the appropriate procedures will be followed.
The case involving 58 kilograms of cannabis in Cyprus has led to two trials, with none of the defendants being found guilty. The main defendant, Chr. P., was acquitted after 3 years and 9 months of detention. The judges deemed the witnesses who testified against him unreliable, citing numerous contradictions in their testimonies. The rulings of the criminal courts raise questions about the investigation conducted by the authorities. This decision leaves a significant gap regarding the handling of the case by law enforcement.