President Nikos Christodoulides stated that he is in daily contact with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Among the topics they discuss is the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Greece. He mentioned that announcements are expected soon regarding the firm that will undertake the study related to this interconnection. This information will be made public in the next 24 hours. The cooperation between the two countries continues to advance these projects.
The police are investigating reports of gunfire outside the home of an individual linked to a businessman in the free area of Famagusta. The gunfire occurred early Tuesday morning, and officers have quickly responded to the scene. The businessman has been targeted in criminal activities in the past, including a recent incident where a hand grenade was found at a related establishment. The situation is serious, and the investigation is ongoing. More details will follow.
The police have arrested a 19-year-old for attempted murder and robbery against an 85-year-old man in the Nicosia district. The suspect broke into the elderly man's home, attacked him, and stole a sum of money. The victim remains in serious condition at the Nicosia General Hospital. Investigations into the case are ongoing. The victim's health status is critical.
Vladimir Putin reportedly owns a luxurious palace worth £100 million in Crimea, equipped with a private hospital and lavish bathrooms. The palace is built on a cliffside and was originally intended for former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. An investigation by Navalny's team reveals the complex's exceptional amenities and luxurious interiors. Researchers highlight the excessiveness of the luxury that raises eyebrows. Questions about Putin's health arise due to the features of the private hospital within the palace.
The Archbishop of Cyprus warns the faithful about a person posing as 'cleric Irineos,' who is not recognized by the Church. This individual primarily operates in Paphos and on social media. The Archbishop advises the faithful to be cautious and not to be misled by their actions. He emphasizes the importance of not participating in religious practices related to this person. The Church of Cyprus denies any association with this 'cleric.'
The Chief of Police, Themistocles Arnaoutis, presented plans for the modernization of the Cyprus Police. He proposes to reduce police working hours from 12 to 11 to increase their presence on the streets. This proposal has sparked backlash from unions, such as the Police Association of Cyprus. Despite the opposition, Arnaoutis seems determined to proceed with his plan. He argues that reducing working hours will lead to greater efficiency.
President Christodoulides described his collaboration with DIKO as exemplary, stating that the comments made by the Minister of Labor do not represent the Government. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with DIKO and other parties for achieving significant reforms. He cited examples such as the tax transformation and the evaluation of teachers. The statements by Nicolas Papadopoulos are personal views, and the government's partnership with DIKO has been crucial for the country's economy. He also mentioned that he could meet with Nicolas Papadopoulos in the future.
Cypriot livestock is facing a critical situation due to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in the occupied areas. Canada has imposed strict import restrictions from Cyprus, and there are concerns about a potential embargo from Saudi Arabia. Currently, exports of halloumi to Canada are not directly affected, but Cypriot producers are worried about the developments. The Cypriot authorities are in a state of emergency, conducting intensive checks and contacting international organizations. The economic damage from a complete embargo would be significant.
Yesterday night was the coldest of the winter so far. In several lowland and coastal areas, temperatures dropped close to 0°C. In Athalassa, the minimum temperature reached 0.8°C. Several coastal areas, like Zygi and Larnaca Airport, recorded temperatures around 3°C. This cold was due to calm winds and a clear sky.
Police arrested a 21-year-old suspect for allegedly hitting a pedestrian and a child with his scooter. The incident occurred in a bike/pedestrian lane in Limassol. The suspect fled the scene after the collision. The pedestrian, a 43-year-old woman, was with her one-year-old and four-month-old child. Authorities are investigating the case.
Christmas Eve was once again the most commercial day of the year, with supermarkets attracting the largest share of consumer activity. December is always the busiest month for retail, and this year, sales reached record levels, making retail one of the key sectors of the Cypriot economy. There was noticeable activity in malls as well, and gift and electronics sales performed well. The Secretary-General of PASYLE mentioned that the overall growth in the sector is impressive and expects positive trends in the coming years. Moreover, tourists and permanent residents contribute to the demand in commerce.
Over 81,000 households in Cyprus have installed photovoltaic systems, accounting for 16% of the households. While this percentage appears satisfactory, it is expected to decrease by 2025. Tomorrow is the deadline for submitting applications for the net metering scheme. Consumers who miss this deadline will have their charges calculated differently, which is less favorable. There are already over 4,000 pending applications that are expected to be processed quickly.
The situation in Larnaca is tense as the transfer of the Multipurpose Center for Social Welfare and Employment to the University of Athens has not yet been resolved. Although the university plans to start its studies in the fall of 2026, legal clarification is still needed from the Law Office. The Municipality of Larnaca has also requested the declassification of the area, as legislation does not allow the allocation of forest land. The Minister of Agriculture stated that the ministry approaches the request positively, but legal issues remain unclear. MP Andreas Apostolou emphasizes the need for expedited procedures.
Health authorities are on alert due to an increase in infections, particularly from the flu. Hospital occupancy rates are at 85%-90%, with many patient admissions expected especially after the holidays. Emergency Departments have managed thousands of cases, many involving children. While there is an increase in admissions, the situation remains manageable. Fortunately, there has not been an increase this year in cases of respiratory syncytial virus compared to last year's figures.
The Republic of Cyprus failed to overturn a French court decision that denied the extradition of Iranian suspect Behdad Jafari. The court ruled that European law does not apply in areas where Cyprus does not exercise effective control. The Cypriot Ministry of Justice submitted a request with legal arguments, but the French authorities rejected the appeal. The case has political implications, affecting Cyprus-France relations. However, there may still be opportunities for reconsideration of the decision in the future.
Nicola Papadopoulos continues to express his opposition to the Government, particularly regarding the electricity interconnection with Greece. Despite his strong criticisms, he assures that his party, DIKO, has no intention of leaving the Government. He points out the lack of communication with the Government, highlighting issues this has caused within his party. Papadopoulos emphasizes that improving citizens' lives should be the aim of any political party and argues that the GSI project is of strategic importance for Cyprus. He calls for clearer statements from the Government regarding the management of this significant project.
President Christodoulides has initiated measures to reduce overcrowding in the Central Prisons, where 53.5% of inmates are foreign nationals. The aim is to map the situation and implement immediate measures to address the issue. Agreements are expected for the voluntary deportation of approximately 100 foreign inmates. Furthermore, a complete restructuring of the Prisons is planned to resolve various issues. The government focuses on combating crime and corruption within the correctional system.