Turkey's energy minister announced a new $9 billion funding from Russia for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, expected to start operations in 2026. Rosatom is building Turkey's first nuclear power station in the Mersin province, valued at $20 billion. Despite delays due to funding issues, Turkey is also in talks with other countries for new nuclear projects. Additionally, there are plans for a solar installation in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power. The minister stated that Turkey aims to pursue competitive offers for its energy projects.
Starting on Sunday, local rain and storms are expected in Cyprus, along with a drop in temperature. The temperatures will be around 18 degrees inland and 20 degrees along the coast. The weather will remain partly cloudy, with a chance of snow in the higher areas. Winds will be moderate to strong, reaching 6 Beaufort. After Tuesday, improved weather conditions are anticipated.
In Nicosia, there remains a mystery surrounding the charred body found after a fire in a storage area of an apartment building on Christmas Day. Although an autopsy is scheduled for Monday, authorities will also need DNA tests for victim identification. Questions persist about the cause of the fire and whether the individual was already dead before it broke out. Identifying the victim may be challenging as it requires locating relatives. The case is expected to continue to be investigated by the authorities.
Minister of Labor, Marinos Musiouttas, stated that the increase in the minimum wage aims to preserve workers' purchasing power without harming businesses. However, employers express serious concerns that the 8.8% increase is excessive and could put pressure on financially vulnerable companies. On the other hand, unions consider the increase insufficient to meet basic needs. The new minimum wage will be in effect from January 1, 2026, with a review scheduled for 2028. The dialogue on the issue seems set to continue after the holidays.
A tragedy occurred in Texas where a family was killed in a car accident while returning from a Christmas party. A drunk driver entered the opposite lane and collided with their vehicle. The only survivor from the family is their 3-year-old son. The mother and daughter died instantly, while the father passed away at the hospital. This tragedy highlights the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The motor vehicle market in Cyprus saw a 4.5% increase in 2025, primarily driven by electric and hybrid vehicles. Passenger car registrations rose by 4.4%, with a significant share of used cars. The demand for rental vehicles also increased, influenced by tourism activity. Consumer preferences are shifting from conventional fuels to alternative forms. This trend reflects the overall economic activity in Cyprus.
Rental prices have increased and are now nearly equivalent to monthly mortgage payments. The Interior Minister reports a decrease in applications for housing subsidies, while applications for home purchases have risen. Refugees seeking government subsidies dropped from 4,509 in 2022 to 3,155 in 2024. The government plans to raise subsidies by 15% starting in 2024. The ongoing housing project is expected to cost about €130 million for its implementation.
The daily lives of soldiers in the National Guard reflect the poverty issues facing Cypriot society. Many soldiers live in dire conditions and avoid requesting overnight leaves because they have nowhere to go. Some commanders are trying to help financially those soldiers in need. This situation affects the mental health of the soldiers, increasing the risk of suicides. The National Guard and the Ministry of Defense are working towards supporting these young individuals.