Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman criticizes the EU for supporting the GSI project, arguing that it will not aid in the resolution of the Cyprus issue. He emphasizes that the EU must choose whether to back projects that promote mutual interdependence or those that complicate matters further. He points out that the cable has been tested and numerous studies suggest it is not financially viable. Erhürman highlights the importance of a connection between Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece as the right path forward. He concludes by stating that he will continue to advocate his position in line with the wishes of his people.
Donald Trump stated that the war with Iran will end soon, as military operations have nearly achieved their goals. However, Iran retaliated with warnings of oil prices soaring to $200 per barrel. U.S. and Israeli officials have not issued orders to halt military actions. Trump emphasized the success of U.S. military strategies, citing a decrease in Iranian attacks. The situation indicates shifts in the balance of power in the region.
Eleni Zaroulia, the wife of Nikos Michaloliakos, was sentenced to five years in prison for her involvement in a criminal organization. The Five-Member Appeals Court upheld her sentence, rejecting her request to convert it to a monetary fine. This means she is going to prison for the first time. Nikos Michaloliakos has already been convicted as the leader of Golden Dawn. The court's decision was final and did not allow for suspension.
The Anti-Corruption Authority is examining complaints related to surveillance in Cyprus, stated Charis Pogiatzis. MP Irini Charalambidou raised the issue again, which has caused concern since 2022. Questions remain regarding the outcome of the investigation and the report by Ilias Stefanos, but information remains confidential. Pogiatzis mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and there are currently no reasons to disclose details. The case is connected to previous doubts and the actions of the European Parliament regarding the situation in Cyprus.
In Cyprus, the number of bank branches has dramatically decreased in recent years, breaking European records for closed branches. Specifically, the number of branches per 100,000 residents has fallen from 137.3 in 2002 to just 19.4 in 2024. A study published by the Central Bank examines the banking sector and competition in the eurozone. There have also been declines in both the number of banking institutions and employment in this sector. The shift towards digital banking and network consolidation are significant factors behind these changes.
The 2026 billionaire list includes 3,428 individuals, 400 more than last year. Their total wealth has reached $20.1 trillion. Elon Musk remains the richest person with $839 billion. Larry Page and Sergey Brin follow in the rankings with significant wealth increases. Technologies, especially cryptocurrencies, have contributed to their increased wealth.
The Auditor General Andreas Papanikolaou expresses doubts about Cyta's ability to offer cheaper electricity in Cyprus. In a letter to the Minister of Finance, he emphasizes that Cyta's entry into the energy market may not enhance competition. The high cost of electricity is attributed to unmet infrastructure projects and the absence of adequate measures. He also states that to benefit consumers, significant investments and an increase in green energy usage are necessary. Finally, the Auditor General calls for improvements to infrastructure before promoting competitive pricing.
In Palaichori, an accident involving a school bus led to the injury of 13 individuals, 10 of whom are students. Community leader Tasos Mihailidis expressed concerns about the delay of ambulances. It is alarming to think that if the accident had been more severe, the consequences could have been tragic. Fortunately, the health conditions of the students are not serious, and no one is in danger. The accident occurred due to the driver of the other vehicle losing consciousness.
In Limassol, a woman was found dead in the coastal area of Agios Tychonas in Amathunda. The police responded promptly to the report and are conducting an on-site investigation. So far, no details regarding the woman's identity have been revealed. The situation has raised concerns in the area.
The Parliament is fast-tracking bills regarding phone surveillance aimed at state security. AKEL expresses concerns about the Attorney General's power to grant approval without a court order. The new regulations will allow surveillance for serious crimes such as murder and trafficking. The Justice Minister emphasizes that the processes protect personal privacy. There will also be a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with the rules.
The website of the Department of Road Transport is down on the last day for renewing vehicle licenses. Many citizens are complaining that they cannot renew their licenses. It is important to note that renewals are only available online. Licenses were expected to be renewed by midnight on March 11, 2026. Late renewals will incur an additional fee.
President Christodoulides announced the appointment of Chief Firefighter Nikos Longinos as National Coordinator for Civil Protection. The government plans to pass a bill for the establishment of a National Civil Protection Mechanism. Additionally, land expropriation has been approved for the construction of a hospital in the city of Chrysochous and the establishment of a National Cancer Institute. The Institute will coordinate actions related to cancer in Cyprus. These decisions are part of the government's reform efforts.
A gun and five pieces of explosive material were found in an open area in Limassol. The police collected these items for further examination. The discovery was made by members of the Limassol Special Police Unit during a patrol. A police explosives expert and members of the Limassol CID visited the scene for investigations. The investigation is ongoing.
The state is aware of who has applied to the Compensation Committee, and those who have sold their property in the occupied areas will not be eligible for compensation. The President informed community representatives that the relevant authorities are monitoring the situation. There is also concern about when the loss of property use will be calculated. Revenue from property sales funds the Equal Burden Sharing Fund, but the amount allocated to refugees is very small. Lastly, discussions also involve the compensation of legal entities that own property in the occupied regions.
The upcoming elections will be crucial in determining which political parties will enter the new Parliament. The political landscape is divided into three fronts: prominence, regulatory roles, and parliamentary representation. The battle is expected to be fierce among established parties like EDEK and DIKO, as well as new parties like VOLT. A total of six parties are likely to be re-elected, although the future of others remains uncertain. The final outcomes will depend on the last votes cast in the elections.
Cyprus faces the risk of being excluded from the Single Market if it unilaterally stops the culling of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease, warns the Minister of Agriculture. This exclusion would not only affect dairy products but also human movement and the tourism sector. The government is trying to secure flexible arrangements from the European Commission to avoid mass culling. The future of halloumi depends on the Commission's response. Agricultural organizations are calling for a halt to culling and vaccination of animals.
Important meetings regarding the Municipality of Paphos will take place in Nicosia at the Audit Office. The head of the office, Andreas Papaconstantinou, has scheduled meetings with Deputy Mayor Angelos Onisiforou and another official. The aim is to discuss financial issues and compensatory fees for urban planning exemptions. It has been revealed that millions of euros remain unpaid to the Municipality of Paphos. This situation raises significant concerns about the transparency and coordination of the municipality's financial processes.
The government aims to address gaps in Cyprus's civil protection through proposals to be presented at today's Cabinet meeting. Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou acknowledged shortcomings in the shelters and cited staffing issues that hindered inspections. As a result, 200 shelters were removed from the SafeCY platform for not meeting standards. A citizen information program will be established to help locate public shelters in emergencies. The immediate alert system via 112 is expected to be operational by summer.
Energy markets are experiencing significant volatility due to developments in the Middle East. Oil prices reached $119 a barrel but corrected after presidential statements. However, attacks on energy facilities are impacting production support. In Cyprus, fuel prices are expected to rise by up to 40%. Analysts believe prices will remain unstable for a while.