A 54-year-old foreign inmate passed away at Nicosia General Hospital. The inmate was convicted of murder and had been hospitalized following surgery. He had been under constant medical supervision due to health issues. His death occurred after several days of care in the hospital. This incident highlights the need for attention to healthcare conditions in prisons.
Erhan Arikli, the 'transport minister' in the occupied areas, stated that there is no danger from the low flights of Turkish F-16s. He claimed that Turkey reacts swiftly to military actions from southern Cyprus. The flights were considered routine and not an emergency activity. Although risks do not seem evident, Turkey will not remain silent. Posts by citizens on social media sparked discussions.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the continuation of the naval blockade on Iran until a nuclear agreement is reached. He argued that the blockade is more effective than military strikes. Trump mentioned that the Iranian economy is under severe pressure and that Tehran is urgently seeking a deal. He also warned of serious consequences for Iran's energy sector if it cannot export oil. His statements are seen as a rejection of Iran's proposal to lift the blockade.
In the Athienou area, three new cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been detected in sheep and goat farms. This situation has caused significant concern, as local authorities had made considerable efforts to protect the area. Thousands of animals have already been culled and vaccination efforts are facing challenges. There are also restricted zones and disinfection points established to prevent further spread. The health crisis is ongoing as veterinary services work to control the disease.
Recently, citizens have reported to the police finding notes on their car windows. These notes ask drivers to download a specific app under the pretense of providing information about local crime. The scammers aim to deceive people to extract money or personal information. The police are urging the public to be cautious. If anyone encounters a similar situation, they should contact the nearest police station.
The National Popular Front (ELAM) has excluded Kyriakos Savvas from its list for Paphos due to disciplinary offenses. The party's spokesperson stated that the candidate did not comply with prior warnings. Sources indicate that the misconduct is related to Savvas's involvement in ecclesiastical issues in Paphos. ELAM leadership had advised him to avoid involvement in church matters that create division. The party will announce a new candidate soon to complete the ballot.
The Supreme Court rejected the claim of a Polish depositor for compensation of €430,071.36 due to the haircut of the Laiki Bank. The ruling confirmed that EU law takes precedence over bilateral investment agreements. The woman had deposited €454,579.52 and was left with only €24,508.16. She argued that she should be compensated under the 1992 agreement between Cyprus and Poland, but the court concluded that the agreement is not applicable following their EU membership.
The Chief of Police announced significant transfers within all police departments and directorates. Although no senior directors were moved in the provinces, there were changes in critical positions, such as in the Department of Crime Prevention and Financial Directorate. These transfers are linked to recent promotions, with officers taking on more responsible roles. The changes will take effect from next Monday, and more transfers may follow in the near future. The aim is to address needs and improve efficiency.
Greece is seen as the most popular tourist destination for Cypriots, with around 600,000 visitors in 2025. The Cyprus EOT presents new vacation proposals for summer 2026, focusing on the Cyprus-Greece collaboration. Air connections are being strengthened with new options for the Greek islands. Greece offers a variety of tourism forms, including gastronomic and cultural tourism. The ties between Cyprus and Greece are recognized as strong and complementary.
The Nicosia Municipal Swimming Pool will open regularly for the entire summer, starting from May 18, 2026. The Aglantzia pool will remain closed due to renovations. The entrance fees have not been set yet, but increases are expected. Last year, the pool experienced high visitor numbers, with some days being unable to accept more guests. The last regular operation of the pool was in 2019, prior to the pandemic and renovations.
Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas emphasized the need for additional measures from the United Nations to address Turkish provocations in the buffer zone. He noted that there have been frequent violations recently in various areas, including Avlona and Pyla. Palmas stated that the occupying forces are acting illegally and that stricter actions from the United Nations are necessary. He expressed concern that if provocations continue, incidents with potential casualties may occur. He also urged the UN to hold Turkey accountable for these violations.
Today marks the start of the evaluation of applications for 94 positions on the boards of 12 semi-government organizations. There are 1,282 candidates, with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and Cyta seeing the highest interest. Fees range from 90 to 100 euros per session, depending on the organization. The list of candidates will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for a final decision. The process emphasizes transparency and the selection of qualified candidates.
The installation of smart water meters is starting in the Nicosia district, aiming to replace 72,000 conventional meters. These new meters will connect with a mobile app that will notify users about leaks and increased water consumption. The installation is planned to be completed by the end of 2027 and will occur in three phases. The project supports digital transformation and sustainable water use in the area. Daily monitoring is expected to reduce water losses and promote conservation.
The session of the Permanent Criminal Court of Limassol was postponed due to the absence of the first defendant, who underwent surgery. The lawyers for the other defendants requested more details regarding the charges. The court is rescheduled for May 27, and the defendants remain in custody. It is noted that the charges include serious crimes such as murder and conspiracy. One of the lawyers expressed concern about the volume of evidence material that requires study.
Grandma Katina is celebrating her 100th birthday at a lovely event in her care home. She was born in Cyprus and emigrated to the UK, learning English on her own. She has two daughters, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Known for her cheerful personality, she has actively participated in her local community. During her birthday celebration, she felt great joy being surrounded by loved ones and receiving a card from King Charles.
The Ministry of Innovation announced an extension for upgrading television equipment until July 1st. The transition to the new DVB-T2 platform will provide better picture and sound quality. Viewers are encouraged to upgrade their equipment on time to avoid last-minute stress. Modern TVs only need a retuning, while older devices require an additional decoder. The change does not affect subscription platforms or the RIK channel.
The political landscape in Cyprus is highly unstable, raising questions about which party will emerge victorious in the elections on May 24. Traditional parties are working to mobilize their voters and limit losses to new political formations such as ALMA and Direct Democracy. The contest for the lead between DISY and AKEL is tightly contested, with recent polls showing low percentages for both parties. The ability of parties to retain voters may significantly influence the election outcome. The importance of winning, even with reduced percentages, carries psychological and symbolic weight.
The Minister of Labor discussed the pension reform during the ministry's report for 2025. The new basic pension will be set below €1,088, aiming to improve the financial situation of low-income pensioners. The minister emphasized the importance of transparency and effective management of the Fund's finances. Additionally, strategic goals for 2026 include improving working conditions and support for working parents. Subsidized contributions will be recognized for various worker categories.
The pediatric community is worried about the resurgence of measles and whooping cough due to a relaxation in vaccination efforts. Michalis Anastasiadis, President of the Pediatric Society of Cyprus, warns that vulnerable groups, such as infants and the elderly, are at risk. Recent statistics show a concerning increase in cases across Europe, particularly among infants and teenagers. The importance of vaccination is emphasized, along with the need for awareness in protecting against infectious diseases. Vulnerable populations should have equal access to vaccination to prevent the re-emergence of diseases.
Banks are concerned about construction permits, as potential cancellations could affect loans already granted. The issue is particularly serious in Nicosia and Limassol, where many applications present irregularities. The assessment of applications is mainly done through managerial checks without sufficient onsite inspections. Building inspectors, intended to support the process, have not functioned as expected. The discrepancies in building permits raise concerns about the legality of projects.
The European Union has announced an extension of restrictions for foot-and-mouth disease until June 15, 2026. This means that trade in live animals will continue to be restricted, with the export of vaccinated animals prohibited. Despite the challenges, halloumi exports are proceeding normally. Cypriot authorities are awaiting clarifications from the European Commission regarding products from vaccinated animals. This situation creates serious uncertainties for the future of Cypriot livestock farming.
Investigations into the 'Santis' case are progressing with the assistance of three special agents from the FBI who have come to Cyprus. The agents will collaborate with Cypriot authorities to examine testimonies and evidence relevant to the case. Their role is supportive, analyzing whether the claims are true or false. Additionally, bank account information related to the allegations is expected soon. Ultimately, they will prepare a report with their findings for the Cypriot authorities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised the discussion on Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty during her meeting with the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in Berlin. This discussion follows talks that took place in Ayia Napa, where EU leaders expressed their support for mutual assistance. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides called on EU partners to create a structured mechanism for applying this clause. Von der Leyen emphasized that the issue is not whether there will be mutual assistance, but how it will be organized in practice. She also highlighted Germany's significant role in this context.