The Joker lottery draw took place today by OPAP, with at least €1,000,000 to be shared among lucky winners. The drawn numbers are: 41, 6, 38, 13, 30, with the Joker number being 16. Draws occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM. Players are anxiously awaiting the results. The draw combines excitement and hope for many participants.
A serious traffic accident occurred on the coastal avenue of Limassol on Thursday evening. A motorcyclist collided with a car while heading west. The collision was severe, resulting in serious injuries to the motorcyclist. An ambulance rushed him to the General Hospital of Limassol. The Traffic Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
In the Paphos Municipality, Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos has been suspended due to potential criminal offenses, leading to the departure of the municipal secretary, Themis Filipidis. Filipidis has continued to work at the municipality despite being on early retirement leave, which is unlawful. The law mandates his immediate departure and the need to advertise the position for a new secretary. The deputy mayor noted that the position should have been announced six months prior. Soon, another employee will temporarily take over duties at the municipality.
The President of the Republic announced free breakfast for kindergartens and social workers in schools. The initiatives also include increased funding for culture and a plan for affordable housing. The aim is to improve citizens' daily lives through health and education policies. The bill for Special Education aims for more inclusive schools. Additionally, actions are planned to enhance students' mental health.
President Nikos Christodoulides presented the government's actions for 2026 regarding transparency and anti-corruption efforts. The plan includes the establishment of a National Mechanism for the Control of Foreign Direct Investments. The aim is to enhance the credibility of institutions and restore citizen trust. He expressed satisfaction with the improvement of Cyprus's international image. The reforms will strengthen oversight processes in public administration.
The modernization of the state is a top priority for the government until 2026, with more than 100 new digital services expected. The 'Digital Citizen' application will be upgraded to include additional services. The government plans to implement age verification for safe social media use among minors. Additionally, the first Cypriot AI Factory and a national supercomputer will be established. Reforms include a redesign of land registry processes as well.
The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, presented the government's priorities for 2026, focusing on the pension reform and business development. He announced a bill to improve pensions, aimed at supporting retirees. Additionally, the establishment of a Business Development Agency and the privatization of the Cyprus Stock Exchange are planned. Improvements will also be promoted to enhance competitiveness and innovation in Cyprus. The President emphasized the importance of developing special supply and storage zones to improve the business environment.
President Christodoulides outlined the government's actions for 2026, focusing on foreign policy, defense, and security. Cyprus aims to sign an agreement with Israel for the 'Afrodite' gas field and seeks full accession to the Schengen Zone. The National Guard will be strengthened through modernization programs, and relationships with strategic partners will deepen. The government also plans to accept bids for upgrading military bases. On the immigration front, there was mention of reducing Cyprus’s attractiveness as a destination for foreigners with criminal records.
The Ministry of Transport plans to amend the legislation so that mobile cameras can record drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seat belts. This move aims to reduce fatal road accidents caused by careless driving. The camera will automatically activate through artificial intelligence when it detects non-compliance. After 2-3 years of operation, the results will be evaluated and improvements will be proposed. The goal is to reduce road deaths caused by distracted driving.
The Cypriot government does not intend to announce the locations of mobile cameras and radar as officials believe this could mislead citizens. Lawmakers argue that transparency is necessary to build trust between the public and the police. However, concerns are raised about the safety of camera operators and the costs associated with disclosing the locations. Past instances of attacks on mobile cameras add to the arguments against publicizing locations. The discussion continues as other European countries suggest different approaches to transparency and safety.
The Road Safety Council has decided to allow immediate suspension of driving licenses for drivers found positive in alcohol or drug tests. This decision stems from new legislation that empowers police to revoke licenses on the spot. Drivers identified as positive will be arrested and taken to the nearest police station. The consequences of the suspension will depend on the specific case, with reinstatement only possible after medical certification or according to the alcohol percentage. The aim is to enhance road safety.
As the implementation of telework in the public sector approaches, many public employees are showing interest in working from home. This year, telework will be applied for 20 days to ensure a smooth transition. In future years, the telework days will increase to 50 per year. Supervisors will assess service needs and decide how many employees can participate. Necessary preparations for data security and protection are already underway.
A conflict has erupted among game wardens following allegations of corruption and collusion with poachers. The head of the Game and Wildlife Service, Pantelis Chatzigerou, urges anyone with evidence of corrupt wardens to report it to the police. Meanwhile, the president of the Temporary Game Wardens Union argues that the responsibility for investigating corruption lies with the head of the agency, not the employees. Chatzigerou calls for specific evidence and counters the general accusations that cast shadows over the agency's work. The situation appears tense, with both sides demanding transparency and more proof.
In the Parliament, it was reported that an employee of RIK intimidated a member of the Board regarding the decision to make the television director, Elmo Neokleous, permanent. Christodoulos Christodoulou, representing the trade union, described the situation as a disgrace, stating that there are leaks of biased information. The chairman of the RIK Board announced the retraction of Neokleous's dismissal and the continuation of a disciplinary investigation. Lastly, it was emphasized that a strike is the only weapon the unions have if their demands are not met.
A family of four in Italy tragically lost their lives due to a gas leak in their home in Porcari. The father, mother, 23-year-old son, and 15-year-old daughter were found unconscious, with the son being the last to call for help. The leak is believed to have originated from the house's boiler. The family had recently moved into their new home. Three police officers who entered the building also experienced dizziness.
The President of the House, Annita Dimitriou, received 25 gifts valued at approximately €7,000 from July 2024 to September 2025. Among these, the most expensive is a painting worth €600 from the Vietnamese ambassador. It also includes a porcelain piece with a royal coat of arms worth €500 from the Dutch royal family. The report also mentions gifts received by MP Charis Georgiadis, although their value is not specified.
Paphos Mayor Phaidonas Phaidonos and Lefkoniko Mayor Pieris Gypsiotis have been placed on suspension by the Interior Minister. The decision was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus. The suspension is due to ongoing investigations against them for various offenses. The mayors are entitled to receive one-third of their salary during the suspension. The suspension can end if they are acquitted or if the investigation concludes without charges.
Last night, twenty bullets were found in the restrooms of the General Hospital of Larnaca. The police promptly arrived and collected the bullets for ballistic examination and DNA testing. Among the bullets are both blank cartridges and 7.62 caliber bullets. The circumstances surrounding the presence of these bullets remain unclear. The police are on alert to identify the person responsible.
As of January 1st, the original performance evaluation system for public servants is reinstated after previous alterations. The new legislation sets the evaluation maximum to 45 points, which is hoped to lead to more objective assessments. The president of the Public Service Commission stated that these changes will enhance efficiency and meritocracy in the public sector. There is also the possibility for employees to appeal their evaluations. The commission is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the new evaluation system.
A minor girl in Limassol was a victim of sexual harassment by a man shortly after getting off the bus. The man approached her and touched her inappropriately. The Police took on the case and quickly worked to identify the suspect, who has now been arrested. The suspect is a young foreign national from Syria. He was brought before a court, which ordered his detention for five days.
The mayor of Paphos, Phaidonas Phaidonos, is being removed from his duties due to allegations of rape against him. The claims were made by a woman, whose testimony is currently being examined by the police. Meanwhile, the mayor of Leukoniko is also suspended due to a domestic violence allegation. Investigations are ongoing regarding these serious accusations, and the Minister of Interior has requested updates on the situation. The police have gathered evidence from the testimonies, which will now be thoroughly reviewed.
The relationship between AKEL and Eirini Charalambidou seems to have come to an end following a meeting that confirmed expectations. Charalambidou declined the proposal to head the Anti-Corruption Observatory and cannot continue her parliamentary role under AKEL due to the completion of the party's nomination process. There is a possibility she may collaborate with the Movement of Almah. Both sides are set to meet again on Monday for further announcements and clarifications. The atmosphere of the meeting was positive, but the outcome was predictable.
There are serious health and legal issues in old Nicosia, highlighted by recent municipal operations. These operations led to the arrest of 131 illegal immigrants and inspections of 318 establishments. Four buildings were closed due to unsuitability. The minister is determined to continue these operations to eliminate all forms of illegality in the area. With two universities set to open in the old town, the need for such actions has become more urgent.
A woman reported her partner for rape and assault, but a few days later, she requested to withdraw the complaint. Despite her wishes, the case proceeded to the Criminal Court. The accused appeared in court, and the complainant reiterated her desire to drop the matter. Nevertheless, the process continued, and the accused was detained until the trial, which is scheduled for mid-March. The Attorney General and the Prosecution moved forward with the case according to legal procedures.
The Health Insurance Organization has revised the protocol for handling emergency cases at the Emergency Departments (ED). This will end unaccounted referrals between hospitals, facilitating immediate patient care. Each ED will have its own responsibilities regarding the types of cases they can manage. The responsibility for referrals to the appropriate hospital lies with the healthcare facilities, not the patients. The new protocol outlines the types of cases that require immediate intervention and the specific referral processes.
The Anti-Corruption Authority dismissed a complaint from a senior official of the Tax Department, who alleged malpractice and retaliation against her. Despite the dismissal of the complaint, the Authority recommended strengthening transparency and internal oversight within the Tax Department. The complaint related to events dating back to 2014. Six hearings were conducted during the investigation, and documents were reviewed. The recommendations aim to improve processes in the tax sector.
The members of the union 'EQUALITY' and the Cyprus Police met in the Administrative Court regarding the new schedule affecting over 1,000 police officers. The Judge requested to hear both sides' positions on the union's request to temporarily suspend the Chief of Police's decision. The Chief announced a new schedule on December 30, 2025, which will change the working system for officers. The union representatives express concerns that these changes will result in financial losses and reduced rest time. The judge's decision is expected during the first hearing in the upcoming Spring.
The murder case of Angelos Perikleous is particularly complex and has unique characteristics for judicial proceedings in Cyprus. The main defendant, 27-year-old Joshua Poloso Epifanio, is defending himself alone, which significantly affects the trial process. Tensions during the hearing are notable, with the defendant attempting to challenge the prosecution's positions. The presiding judge, Nikolaos Georgiades, has repeatedly had to give the defendant advice on his conduct. The case has generated interest due to its seriousness and the involvement of family members of the defendant.