Kyriakos Pierrakakis's election to the Eurogroup was based on strategic alliances and voting commitments with member states. Greece's strong comeback story significantly contributed to his election. Supporters included the German Deputy Chancellor and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who engaged with European leaders. Van Peteghem withdrew, allowing Pierrakakis's unanimous election. The process was marked by careful maneuvers and promises securing his victory.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis has been elected the new president of the Eurogroup, defeating his Belgian counterpart. His election is seen as a positive sign for the Greek economy, reflecting recovery after the financial crisis. It indicates improvements in Greece's economic indicators, as debt as a percentage of GDP has decreased. Additionally, it reflects geopolitical balances and political alliances within the European People's Party. With this election, Pierrakakis is set to play a significant role in European economic decisions for the next three years.
Larnaca is celebrating its designation as the European Capital of Culture for 2030. Residents took to the streets, filled with joy and pride, to commemorate this historic achievement. The central roads were packed with people dancing and singing. These moments demonstrate the unity and pride of the city's inhabitants. Larnaca is experiencing a unique historical period.
The teachers' union, POED, announced a work stoppage on Thursday, December 18, to express disagreement with the teachers' evaluation bill. The stoppage will last from 7:30 to 9:05 AM. The bill is set to be discussed in Parliament on Monday, December 22, for a final decision. The decision for this action was not unanimous during the Executive Council meeting of POED. An official announcement from the teachers' organization is expected soon.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has purchased an apartment complex in Brooklyn for $14.1 million. The investment consists of 28 apartments and is expected to generate over a million dollars a year in revenue. While there are rumors about a potential move to the Knicks or Nets, this purchase appears to be purely strategic. It is another addition to his portfolio through his family's company, GFI Limited. Antetokounmpo continues to make strategic real estate investments.
The case of Mehmet Akif Ersoy has caused significant upheaval in Turkish media. Allegations include drugs, group sex, and sexual harassment from former presenter Nur Kosker. Ersoy, who has been jailed, denies the accusations as false, claiming personal vendettas are behind them. Kosker reveals that many female journalists face similar pressures in the media. This situation has sparked a wave of accusations regarding abusive practices in the Turkish media landscape.
Today, the two leaders of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman, are meeting in the presence of the UN Secretary-General's envoy, Maria Angela Olguin. This is their first meeting in six years and is expected to focus on the Cyprus issue and the resumption of negotiations. Before the trilateral meeting, the leaders are visiting the Missing Persons' Committee. After the meeting, they will attend a reception at the residence of the UN special representative. The article will be updated with more information.
The new Minister of Justice, Konstantinos Fityris, visited the Central Prisons to gather information on the current conditions. During the visit, he stated that problems would be assessed and immediate solutions will be implemented for the improvement of the correctional system. The minister interacted with prisoners and staff to understand the challenges they face. He promised to strengthen personnel and review training. He emphasized the importance of human dignity and the correctional process.
From December 1st to December 11th, rainfall has reached 64% of the normal amount for the month. The average recorded rainfall is 67.2 millimeters, while the normal amount is 105.6 millimeters. Polis Chrysochous is the only area that has exceeded the normal level with 128%. In contrast, the lowest rainfall rates are recorded in Sayita (31%) and Paphos Airport (32%). Overall, the rainfall data suggests encouraging signs for December.
The Meteorological Department has issued a new yellow warning for thunderstorms today, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. These thunderstorms are expected to mainly affect the mountainous and southern regions. Rain intensity could exceed 35 millimeters per hour, and hail is also a possibility. Citizens are advised to exercise caution during this time. It is important to keep up with weather updates.
Vacant job positions in the EU are a significant issue, with varying rates across countries. Cyprus has a 3.3% vacancy rate, ranking fourth highest in the EU. Compared to the previous year, vacancies increased in Cyprus. Countries like the Netherlands and Belgium have the highest rates. The demand for specific professions remains unfulfilled, indicating challenges in the job market.
Cyprus is ranked among the top 100 cuisines in the world according to Taste Atlas, coming in at position 100. This ranking is based on public ratings rather than expert gastronomists. Notable Cypriot dishes include kleftiko, souvla, halloumi, and stifado. Other popular dishes include sheftalia and resi. Readers can find more information about Cypriot cuisine on the platform.
Cyprus is actively enhancing its naval capabilities through the SAFE program and discussions for acquiring a second vessel. Currently, the Cypriot Navy operates only one patrol boat, limiting its operations. Plans to acquire more vessels date back a decade, and a new boat would significantly improve the security of maritime zones. The Cypriot defense industry is also playing a role in these proposals. Consideration is being given to staffing the new vessel with available officers.
The Cabinet has approved €18.8 million in financial aid for 8,600 farmers affected by weather disasters in 2025. The assistance mainly addresses damage to crops due to drought and to vineyards due to hail. Payments will be made through the Agricultural Production Protection Fund. The disbursement of funds requires the approval of the Supplementary Budget by the Parliament. Additionally, producers will be informed about offsets against any debts they owe to the state.
The travel process to the US is changing, as visitors from 42 countries will need to provide their social media history for the last five years. This new proposal from US officials is part of a policy for better border security. Additionally, travelers will need to provide phone numbers and email addresses, while the cost for submitting the ESTA will remain $40. The government expects an increase in tourism in 2026 due to the Men's World Cup. This proposal has also been officially published in the federal government's register.
A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison for robbery and three attempted robberies committed while under the influence of drugs. He managed to steal only 20 euros from a kiosk, leaving empty-handed in the other cases. Although the court acknowledged his psychological state and personal issues, it condemned his actions due to their severity. The judge emphasized that the consequences of his actions significantly affected the victims. The sentences for the young man will run concurrently.
Today, Nikos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman will meet in Cyprus with the UN Secretary-General's special envoy, Maria Angela Olgun. This is the first trilateral meeting in six years aimed at discussing the Cyprus issue and restarting negotiations. The presence of Johannes Hahn is seen as significant for supporting these efforts. Government spokesperson K. Letymbiotis stated that EU involvement is crucial for the resumption of talks. The meeting is expected to be pivotal in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.
After months of drought, heavy rainfall is impacting Cyprus, yet the reservoirs remain nearly empty. The Pedieos River in Nicosia and streams in Paralimni have caused floods, with water levels in the reservoirs at only 9.4% of their capacity. A meteorologist notes that rains could continue until Christmas. However, the soil has not fully saturated from the drought, limiting water storage. The occupied areas are facing severe destruction, with roads and buildings being affected by the floods.
The Plenary of the Parliament will decide on the bill regarding teacher evaluation on December 22. The process in the Education Committee has been completed, focusing on the roles of the Inspector-Advisor. Education Minister Athina Michailidou believes that the Inspector should have classroom visibility, addressing concerns from educational organizations about the Monitoring Committee. The modernization of the evaluation system is deemed necessary, and proposed amendments do not alter the core philosophy of the bill. The Minister emphasizes the need for collaboration for the benefit of students.
President Christodoulides is trying to apply pressure regarding EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus issue by proposing an approach through NATO. In an interview, he mentioned that Cyprus's inclusion in the Partnership for Peace program could lead to positive developments in EU-Turkey relations. His proposal targets Ankara and emphasizes the need for steps from Turkey. Diplomats are concerned about rising tensions as Cyprus assumes the EU presidency, while Christodoulides claims Turkey was excluded from the EU's security program due to its own failures. He expresses willingness to invite Erdoğan for discussions.
A large private hospital in Nicosia faces the risk of suspension of its operating license due to a shortage of nurses. The Ministry of Health has informed the hospital that it does not meet staffing requirements for two specific departments. The Employers' and Industrialists' Federation expresses its frustration over the situation, warning that they had previously alerted the ministry about the lack of nurses. The ministry's letter highlights the failure to comply with legal staffing requirements. The situation is alarming and needs immediate solutions.
The discussion on tax reform continues in Parliament amidst reactions from AKEL and the Greens. There are plans to increase the tax-free threshold and provide tax relief for families with children and students. The changes are estimated to cost 110 million euros, covered by state surpluses. Tax brackets will be adjusted with new rates. A significant change is the abolishment of stamp duty.