A large police operation took place in the center of Paphos at a restaurant. The operation was triggered by information concerning individuals known to the authorities. Police forces, including members of the Special Anti-Terrorism Unit, entered the premises unexpectedly. Their presence caused disturbance among patrons and staff. So far, there has been no official update regarding the reasons for the operation.
The Joker draw took place on Sunday, February 8, 2025. The winning numbers are 10, 1, 29, 36, 7, with the Joker number being 10. At least €1,000,000 will be shared among the winners. Draws occur three times a week. The next draw is scheduled for Tuesday.
The weather forecast for Clean Monday includes light rain and local thunderstorms, primarily in the western part of the island. Temperatures will range from 5 to 22 degrees Celsius. Winds will be mainly from the west and south, with weak to moderate intensity. Increased cloud cover is expected in the evening. Proper preparation for the weather conditions is essential.
42-year-old Georgia passed away after being in a coma for two weeks following a hysterectomy at Larnaca General Hospital. Her family alleges inadequate care and is seeking an investigation into her death. Initially, her post-operative condition was assessed as good, but she suffered a severe stroke days later. There are reports of difficulties she faced during her hospitalization. Authorities are currently investigating the case.
Cyprus was considered as a location for establishing a company in discussions between Jeffrey Epstein and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. In emails from 2017, Epstein noted that using Cyprus for tax purposes was dangerous and that efforts for the Cypriot company should be frozen. Investor Nicole Junkerman suggested Luxembourg as a more reliable alternative. There are no indications that the company had already been established in Cyprus. The Epstein case is highlighted, reflecting the complex situation surrounding his persona.
Donald Trump has invited Nikos Christodoulides and Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Washington for the first 'Peace Council' scheduled for February 19. The meeting will focus on Gaza, with invitations also sent to other countries. The Greek side is currently assessing the invitation and is expected to respond in the coming days. There is interest in whether leaders such as Netanyahu and Erdogan will participate. The meeting is planned despite some EU countries being cautious about sending representatives.
The Larnaca police are investigating serious allegations of torture that took place in a casino in Pyla. Disturbing videos have been discovered, and so far, three out of seven victims have been identified. The tortures appear to have aimed at extorting money and confessions of criminal activities. The investigative workload is extensive, with more than 3,000 photos and videos being examined. Authorities do not rule out further arrests in the future.
A 41-year-old father has been arrested for attacking the coach of Aris Limassol during a youth match. The father claims that his 11-year-old son experienced verbal abuse from the coach and was attempting to file a complaint against him. An investigative statement was taken from the father, but the authorities proceeded with his arrest. The coach suffered serious injuries and is currently hospitalized. The case continues to be investigated with testimonies from other witnesses present.
New information reveals Jeffrey Epstein's interest in genetics and longevity. Documents show that Epstein funded research for genetic testing related to cell regeneration and aging reversal. He participated in the Harvard Personal Genome Project to understand genes and human characteristics. This raises ethical questions, especially due to his controversial past. Regenerative medicine offers hope but also serious ethical concerns.
A traffic accident occurred in the morning on the Limassol - Nicosia highway, where a truck crashed into a police patrol car. The patrol car was parked, and the three occupants – one driver and two officers – were injured. They were taken to the General Hospital of Nicosia, but their health condition is not in danger. The truck driver was tested for alcohol and drugs, which returned negative results. Authorities are now investigating the causes of the accident.
The outcome of the May parliamentary elections is likely to lead to political crisis and instability. Polls indicate that the next Parliament may not have a stable majority. This could create political chaos, as government collaborations will be difficult. If the state cannot function, early dissolution of Parliament and new elections cannot be ruled out. The political situation in Cyprus is critical, especially following the last decade's economic crisis.
The Christodoulides government is entering its third year of governance, declaring 2026 as the year of implementation of its goals. The President aims to enhance Cyprus's role on the international stage, focusing on foreign policy and defense. In 2026, the presidency of the EU Council is a significant event for Cypriot diplomacy. The government is also planning new relations with countries like India and Central Asia. The strategy includes developing Cyprus as a logistics hub through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor.
Turkey blocked the United Nations from recording the agreements achieved during negotiations about Cyprus, effectively canceling the proposed plan. The Turkish ambassador exercised a veto during meetings, preventing any progress. This action shows that Turkey does not want developments in the Cyprus issue and is managing the situation. Turkey's stance remains that the only solution could be the creation of two states. This position reflects a strategy adopted due to past failures.
The European Commission's report examines the impact of inflation and wage increases on economic competitiveness. There is significant heterogeneity in inflation among EU countries, which affects productivity support. In countries like Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta, productivity has surpassed the increase in real wages, leading to better economic performance. Conversely, in countries like Lithuania and Croatia, wage increases have outpaced productivity growth. The report emphasizes the importance of aligning wages with productivity to maintain competitiveness.
The exhibition titled 'Myths of Cyprus' brings to life legendary figures from Cypriot folklore, such as Digenis and Sierolotta, at the Kastelliotissa Hall. Using 3D constructions and virtual reality, visitors can experience the myths up close. The exhibition aims to preserve and promote Cyprus's cultural heritage, connecting generations through living stories. It was inaugurated on February 2, 2026, with the presence of notable figures. The Director of the GTP emphasized the importance of myths as a source of wisdom.
The legal framework for multiple pensions for state officials remains unstable, as recent laws have been deemed unconstitutional. This means that state officials will continue to receive both salary and pension. Despite efforts by the Parliament to change this, the laws remain in effect. The Legal Service is urging the Ministry of Finance to amend the law, requiring a new bill. If changes are not made, there is a risk of repeating past issues in the legal system.
A father's pain upon learning about his missing son is unbearable, as his hair turned white in moments. Nikos Violaris, who took part in a military operation in 1974, was recently found and identified. His funeral is set to take place on his birthday, which is both tragic and poignant. His twin brother Andreas, who searched for him for decades, helped locate his remains. The identification process was incredibly emotional for the family.
Cyprus is facing a serious water crisis, with reservoirs at only 13% capacity. The government has implemented €168 million in measures to prevent cuts in water supply, but a 10% reduction in water usage and a 33% cut in irrigation are still necessary. Rainfall has reached historically low levels, making the outlook for 2026 concerning. Authorities stress the need for immediate actions to manage the crisis effectively. Without intervention, restrictions will severely impact household water supply in the future.