A rare video has surfaced on Facebook showcasing the state of the Anorthosis property in Famagusta. The video provides a tour of the Kallimarmaro House, abandoned after the Turkish invasion in 1974. The footage highlights the grandeur of the building completed in 1965. It is accompanied by an emotional post reflecting on the heart of the community. The video serves as a revival of memories from a piece of history.
The Parliament approved an extension for renewing vehicle licenses until March 31, 2026, due to issues with the Department of Road Transport's website. Citizens who were unable to renew their licenses before the original deadline will now have the opportunity to do so without fines. The decision is retroactive from March 11. Those who paid for renewal from March 12 until the publication of the law will be refunded. This regulation aims to assist citizens.
The situation for farmers in Larnaca is dire due to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Farmers are coordinating to inform each other and the public about their plight. Anastasios Zannetou expresses his deep sorrow and anger over the forced slaughter of their animals. He urges citizens to understand their struggle and warns of the anguish experienced by the animals who seem to sense their fate. They seek humane understanding and support, not charity.
The House of Representatives voted on an amendment requiring light signage on vehicles equipped with mobile speed cameras. The amendment aims to enhance road safety and improve visibility for drivers. Concerns were raised by the Ministry of Justice and the Police regarding costs and implementation timelines. Initially, there was agreement on the use of light signage, but later reservations were expressed. The new regulation is expected to be implemented three months after the law is published.
The parliament approved a modification of the legislation to expedite procedures for new desalination plants. There is strong criticism against the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, for lacking action regarding the drought. Lawmakers are calling for her resignation, citing incompetence and mismanagement. The discussion highlights the ministry's failure to take necessary actions sooner. Citizens are protesting over the costly mistakes and seeking solutions.
A 76-year-old man fell victim to online fraud for the second time, having lost a total of €104,000. The scammers posed as lawyers claiming they could help recover his lost funds. The elderly man granted access to his bank account, and eventually, the fraudsters requested additional payments. The police are investigating the case. Reports indicate that the perpetrators contacted him by phone.
A 44-year-old Azerbaijani man accused of espionage denies all charges against him. For months, authorities in Cyprus have been monitoring him as he allegedly photographed military bases. The court rejected his defense's request for access to specific material related to the case. The accused, who holds a British passport, will respond to the five charges against him. The case is set to be heard soon.
The Minister of Finance stated that no preventive measures are being planned due to the war in the Middle East. He emphasized that governments must be ready to intervene in cases of unjustified price increases. Economist Tasos Yiasemidis warns of a domino effect of economic repercussions that affect other sectors beyond energy. Energy Minister Michalis Damianos stated that his ministry is monitoring the situation and is ready to intervene if serious price increases are observed. The priority is to protect households and ensure the stability of the European economy.
The new legislation passed by the Parliament introduces significant changes for Contract Soldiers (SYOP) and Contract Non-Commissioned Officers (SYP) of the National Guard. SYOP will be able to remain in service until the age of 57, while the opportunities for advancement to SYP positions are increasing. Their contracts will be renewed more easily, and years of service will be counted for proper retirement benefits. An increase in allowances for SYOP is also expected. Lastly, the age requirements for new SYOP recruitment are being expanded.
The Court of Appeal upheld a nine-year prison sentence for a man convicted of raping a woman who was inebriated. The incident occurred in 2022 when the woman, after consuming alcohol, ended up in the defendant's apartment without having given consent for sexual intercourse. The judiciary emphasized the seriousness of sexual offenses and the necessity for strict penalties. The defendant argued that the sentence was excessive, but the court rejected this claim. The case highlights the importance of consent in sexual relationships.
The Fire Service in Cyprus faced an increase in calls in 2025, with 7,154 related to fires. Chief Fire Officer Logginos highlighted the need for 24-hour operation of fire stations in rural areas. There is a rise in fires by 4.31% in urban areas and 8.81% in rural ones. Additionally, the Fire Service will collaborate with private drone operators for surveillance and fire detection. In 2025, 10 people lost their lives due to fires, most incidents occurring in Limassol.
Last night, the police in Limassol were notified about gunshots at a café. Authorities found two bullet holes in the café's windows. The crime scene was secured while investigations were conducted. After the examinations, the area was released. The Limassol CID continues the necessary procedures.
The government is expanding student grants, increasing the budget to 62 million euros. The new regulations broaden the circle of beneficiaries, raising income categories by 5,000 euros. Families with incomes up to 44,000 euros will see a 10% increase in their grants. Notably, families with five or more dependents will face no income criteria for access to grants. The government emphasizes that investing in students is an investment in the country's future.
Cypress livestock farmers are upset and anxiously awaiting a meeting with President Christodoulides. They demand an end to the culling of asymptomatic animals and the implementation of vaccinations. There is a significant level of frustration and anger, with farmers warning they are prepared for strong protests if the responses are negative. They are also seeking support from other businesses in the food supply chain. Their concerns are focused on the repercussions of the government's decisions on livestock farming.
The Mayor of Kourion reported that the Akrotiri military base was attacked by a drone, causing panic among the British personnel. Sirens sounded for four hours, and there was no clear protocol for response. The Civil Defense could intervene only under the Mayor's supervision. A decision was made to evacuate Akrotiri due to uncertainties regarding the British's position. In Episkopi, around 800 residents returned after the evacuation.
Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou stated that Civil Defense suffers from preparedness issues due to past omissions. Analyzing the situation, he admitted that recent incidents confirm existing problems. Since 2023, efforts have begun to reorganize and upgrade civil protection frameworks. The coverage of the population has increased from 30% to 45% through new strategies, such as utilizing public spaces for shelters. The search for more spaces will continue.
Around 2:40 AM, a 36-year-old mobile camera operator reported an attack against him. An unknown man sprayed him in the face while two other individuals caused damage to the company vehicle. The driver went to the police to file a complaint. The case is currently being investigated by the Paphos CID. Authorities are working to locate the culprits.
The Audit Office revealed that 59 School Boards have total pending financial statements amounting to 501 years. Delays are also affecting municipalities and communities, with notable examples including a 24-year delay from Kyperounda and a 23-year delay from the Community Councils of Palaiokori and Oraine. Overall, 653 organizations have 6,734 pending audit cases for the period 1995-2023. Of these, 5,449 statements have not been audited by private auditors. This situation is highlighted by the Auditor General as concerning and requires immediate intervention.
The first week of the U.S. war with Iran cost over $11.3 billion, according to information from the Pentagon. This amount covers direct military operation costs but excludes significant expenses related to attack preparations. Military officials reported that during the first two days alone, $5.6 billion was spent on weapons and ammunition. The actual financial burden could be substantially higher. These revelations highlight the high cost of military operations in the Middle East.
The House of Representatives is voting today on two bills for Contract Soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers aimed at modernizing their employment terms. Key measures include changing the mandatory retirement age to 57 and increasing the special monthly allowance for certain categories of soldiers. Additionally, 250 Contract Soldiers are set to be recruited as Non-Commissioned Officers in 2026. These changes aim to improve working conditions and pension benefits. The Minister of Defense is continuing significant reform efforts in this area.
Donald Trump stated that the United States has won the war against Iran and that U.S. authorities are investigating possible drone attacks from Iran in California. He asserted that the situation is under control and emphasized the need for a quick completion of operations. Despite his claims, he did not provide specific evidence to back them up. He also delivered a speech in Kentucky, claiming that the U.S. victory was almost immediate. Concerns continue regarding a potential Iranian revenge plan.
President Christodoulides is under pressure due to Maria Panagiotou's continued presence in the Ministry of Agriculture, as reactions from the livestock sector and society are growing. The issues related to foot-and-mouth disease and previous water management are facing severe criticism. Every statement and decision from the Ministry raises suspicion, with the opposition calling for the Minister's resignation. The public pressure is intensifying, affecting the overall political image of the government. The situation is dramatic and has serious implications for the government's credibility.
The Middle East is experiencing severe clashes between the USA, Israel, and Iran, marked by relentless attacks and significant casualties. The assaults include airstrikes by Israel and missile attacks from Iran and Hezbollah. President Trump claims that Iran is close to defeat, while the Revolutionary Guards state they are ready for total war. The situation is escalating, with Iran targeting other countries in the region as well. The cost of the war for the USA has exceeded $11 billion just in the first week.
Cypriot banks are operating normally despite the uncertainty caused by the war in the Middle East. Customers continue to apply for loans, both for cars and mortgages. Bank management appears reassuring about the quality of their loans and the resilience of the Cypriot economy. However, there is uncertainty about the future if the geopolitical crisis lasts more than three months. Overall, banks seem confident about their loan situation but are concerned about potential impacts of the crisis on credit expansion.
The Cypriot government is establishing a special team to examine cases of illegal migrants who refuse to leave the country. This team will expedite deportation procedures for individuals whose appeals have been rejected by the courts. It has been found that in many cases, procedures are not followed, leading to legal victories for migrants. The new team will ensure proper adherence to procedures and coordinated action between ministries. The aim is to facilitate faster removals in line with European Union decisions.
The Audit Office of the Republic held a meeting regarding financial matters of the Paphos Municipality. Deputy Mayor Angelos Onisiforou presented data concerning compensatory fees and other issues. Significant amounts related to projects and contracts in the construction sector were mentioned. Concerns have been raised whether the constructions carried out correspond to the amounts paid. Additionally, questions have arisen regarding the management of the projects and oversight by the relevant authorities.
The conflict in the Middle East is speeding up the passage of laws that allow phone tapping only with the approval of the Attorney General. The proposed laws aim to tackle organized crime and terrorism. The Minister of Justice emphasized that these laws will enhance the security of the democracy. The crimes that will permit surveillance include serious criminal acts. The laws are intended to protect human rights within the framework of the rule of law.
The spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus has raised concerns among authorities and farmers. The European Commissioner for Health will decide whether an exception can be made to avoid mass animal culling. Notably, Professor Kritas proposed implementing vaccination instead of mass slaughter. The situation remains critical, with a focus on protecting livestock and exports. Cypriot authorities are seeking a realistic solution to prevent the destruction of their industry.
The rise in oil prices due to the crisis in the Middle East has caused concern in Europe. Some EU countries, such as Greece and Croatia, have imposed caps on gasoline and diesel prices to protect their citizens. Cyprus is monitoring the situation but has not yet made decisions on measures such as setting price limits or reducing taxes. Average gasoline prices in Cyprus have increased slightly, and further increases are expected if the conflict does not de-escalate. Statistics indicate that consumers should prepare for more price hikes.