In today’s episode, a proposal to impose a 5% tax on bank profits, framed by Akel as a measure to aid vulnerable groups, was defeated in parliament on Thursday after a deadlocked vote of 25-25, with four abstentions. The bill, which Akel described as a “solidarity levy,” aimed to raise €100 million over two years to support housing and lending sche…

In today’s episode, dealers are legally obligated to replace faulty Takata airbags free of charge, the director of the road transport department, Andreas Louka, said on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Disy and Akel on Wednesday were predictably on the opposite sides of the argument over the contentious ‘bank tax’ bill set to go to plenum on Thursday. Also, a…

In today’s episode, the UK and Cyprus have turned a page in their relationship, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday after welcoming British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the presidential palace. Elsewhere, the UK will support Cyprus in establishing a new National Sanctions Implementation Unit to crack down on illicit Russian finance fl…

In today’s episode, the developments in Syria, security, migration and the Cyprus problem will be among the key topics of discussion during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the island on Tuesday. Elsewhere, some Syrian nationals in Cyprus are eyeing a return to their home country, Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides said on Mo…

In today’s episode, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pay an official visit to Cyprus tomorrow, the first such visit since 1971. Elsewhere, peaceful rallies were held by Syrians in Cyprus on Sunday after rebels announced the seizure of Damascus and the toppling of President Assad. Also, on November 30 total tourist arrivals to the island sur…

In today’s episode, Cyprus is turning to the west to renew its air defence systems. Meanwhile, the widow of Cypriot businessman Halil Falyali, who was assassinated in 2022, was one of 250 people indicted in Turkey following a large-scale investigation into money laundering and illegal gambling. Elsewhere, the Larnaca municipality announced its inte…

In today’s episode, Cyprus' National Guard is "on alert because the region is in a state of constant, prolonged instability". Meanwhile, two companies were fined €22,000 after a man fell to his death at a construction site. Elsewhere, unexploded mortar shells which were found on the grounds of what will soon be Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar's …

In today’s episode, people convicted for minor drug offences will be able to apply for a professional driver’s licence after a few years if an amendment to the law passes, which MPs hope will address the shortage of bus drivers. Elsewhere, HIV diagnoses fell by 26 per cent in 2023 in Cyprus, Health Minister Michalis Damianos said. Also, MPs will ne…

In today’s episode, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis stressed the importance of his role on his first day in office. Meanwhile, trade unions approved a deal put forward by Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou to bring to an end almost a month’s worth of strikes in the concrete sector. Elsewhere, Health Minister Michael Dami…

In today’s episode, Cyprus is preparing for potential NATO membership if Turkey lifts its objections, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday. He confirmed advanced discussions with the US on utilising NATO-related opportunities and with the EU regarding naval base upgrades, signaling significant developments in the country’s defence and s…

In today’s episode, Cyprus and Greece reaffirmed their commitment to "institutionalise intergovernmental summits". Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides said Greece and Cyprus are "strong supporters" of "upgrading" the European Union's relations with Jordan. Elsewhere, the police warned of the arrival of "dangerous" Polish football fans arrivi…

In today’s episode, doctors working at state hospitals started a two-day strike on Tuesday morning as a dispute over performance-based bonuses paid by the state health services Okypy rolls on. Elsewhere, despite the rainfall so far during November already reaching 150 per cent of the average for the month, the island’s reservoirs remain largely emp…

In today’s episode, doctors working at state hospitals went on strike. Meanwhile, Cypriot MEP Loucas Fourlas launched a scathing attack on the European Union's "hypocrisy" on the Cyprus problem. Elsewhere, Eurobank is set to raise its stake in Hellenic Bank to 93.47 per cent. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cypru…

In today’s episode, a yellow weather warning for strong winds in Cyprus on Sunday saw chaos ensure around the island. Sticking with the weather, the first snowfall of the winter was recorded on Sunday in Troodos, and down as far as Prodromos. Elsewhere, a 10-day old seal, one of the rarest animals in Europe, was rescued off the coast of Cyprus, the…

In today's episode, at the Economist summit in Nicosia, President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stressed the EU's diminishing role in addressing global crises, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Cyprus tax department has warned 19 football clubs to adhere to their tax repayment obligations …

In today’s episode, the law mandating that public officials including the attorney-general declare their income was declared legal by the Supreme Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, a proposal to install CCTV cameras in public spaces and on busy streets sparked intense debate in the House legal committee. Elsewhere, hundreds of flamingos have returned…

In today’s episode, hundreds of people attended the funeral of the three young men who died in a road traffic accident on Sunday. Meanwhile, 17 tonnes of humanitarian aid which arrived in Cyprus from Italy will be sent to Gaza as soon as possible through the Israeli port of Ashdod. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the…

In today’s episode, large gaps exist in safety awareness and drivers' "conscience", Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said on Monday after four people died on the road over the weekend. Elsewhere, a total of 469 reports of sexual abuse against children were received in 2023 and 330 by October 2024, Hope for Children CRC Policy Centre said on Monda…

In today’s episode, intense weather conditions are expected to continue on Sunday into Monday, the fire service said, after storms overnight caused the met office to issue a yellow weather warning. Elsewhere, three people died on the Dherynia-Frenaros Road on Sunday night, police said in the morning. Also, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos will …

In today’s episode, around 650 state hospital doctors, set to receive €19.1 million in additional pay to align with private sector earnings, are planning a 48-hour strike later this month, demanding €21.1 million instead. Elsewhere, Canadian veterans of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, known as Operation Snowgoose, returned to the island to m…

In today's episode, state hospital doctors will be going on a 48-hour strike at the end of the month, trade union Pasyki announced after another failed attempt to clinch a deal with state health services Okypy. Meanwhile, the termination of the construction contract for the road between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous prompted strong reactions from bo…

In today's episode, a six-year jail term for a child rape conviction was “manifestly inadequate” the Supreme Court ruled as it moved to increase the jail time to nine years. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades on Tuesday promised that the highway connecting Paphos and Polis Chrysochous will be ready within the next three years, as local r…

In today’s episode, the transparency commissioner resisted calls for a targeted investigation of former President Nicos Anastasiades regarding the "golden passport" scandal. Meanwhile, the public works department terminated its contract with Intrakat for the construction of the motorway between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous. Elsewhere, a British Roy…

In today’s episode, Disy is ready to collaborate with President Nikos Christodoulides, party leader Annita Demetriou said. Meanwhile, a 67-year-old man was seriously injured after his vehicle overturned, and the fire brigade rescued a hunter who had injured himself after falling into a ravine. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought t…

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan informally in Budapest at the European Political Community (EPC) summit, where they discussed the Cyprus issue. Elsewhere, for the past four years, the government has been paying €6,000 monthly for autism facilities that remain inactive, the House health …

In today’s episode, a ruling coalition 'MP' in the north accused the opposition of "illegally occupying" the north's 'parliament'. Meanwhile, thousands of cars in Cyprus may have defective airbags. Elsewhere, women in Cyprus are living longer than men. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.…

In today's episode, the body of a 63-year-old electrician, a Greek Cypriot, was recovered on Monday afternoon following a fire at a polyurethane manufacturing plant in Dromolaxia’s industrial area. Meanwhile, after severe floods at Paphos General Hospital, the nurses' union Pasyno on Monday condemned the “miserable conditions” in which nurses must …

In today's episode, the Paphos general hospital, which flooded during heavy rain on Saturday night, was “built with a lot of shoddy work”, the town’s mayor Phedonas Phedonos said. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos pledged to further deepen relations between Cyprus and Qatar after meeting the country’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul…

In today’s episode, Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides said a group of migrants stranded in the buffer zone will be relocated "in the next two to three weeks". Meanwhile, parliament approved amendments increasing penalties for inciting violence or hatred based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and raising the penalty points thresh…

In today’s episode, United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he remains optimistic about the prospect of a solution to the Cyprus problem, following a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides at the White House. Elsewhere, former Transport Minister Marios Demetriades and some of his relatives linked to the family law firm have been r…

In today's episode, officials on Tuesday reiterated there currently exists no practical way to bring down energy costs, which have a knock-on effect on the prices of goods, as one MP warned that certain segments of the population face “annihilation” due to the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos rubbished the idea t…

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides heralded his invitation to meet United States President Joe Biden at the White House. Meanwhile, a 20-day-old baby died and six more remained in intensive care after being fed ethanol while in hospital. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.…

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the government is "very close" to making announcements regarding Cyprus' entry into the US visa waver programme. Meanwhile, the British bases reported the seizure of 312 illegally trapped blackcaps, or 'ambelopoulia' during checks at crossing points. All this and more in the Cyprus …

In today’s episode, a deal regarding the delivery of the floating storage and re-gasification unit (Fsru) that is part of the liquefied natural gas project at Vasiliko has been reached by the Cyprus government and the Chinese CPP-Metron Consortium, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou announced. Elsewhere, more than 20 actions worth over €30 millio…

In today’s episode, the police control systems at airports and checkpoints have been restored after the country was targeted by six cyber attacks. Meanwhile, Disy called for a "holistic" approach to tackling the problem of affordable housing. Elsewhere, MEP Fidias Panayiotou called for a protest against the government's ban of mobile phones from sc…

In today’s episode, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou will be travelling to Apia, Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting taking place between 21 and 26 October, an announcement said on Sunday. Elsewhere, Cyprus' government portal was the victim of a cyberattack Sunday but the authorities coped with the incident successfully, th…

In today's episode, all eyes are fixed on whether the two leaders in Cyprus will be willing and able to engage sufficiently to allow an informal five-party meeting with the three guarantor powers to take place in the coming months. Meanwhile, two new cases involving assaults and robberies against food delivery workers were reported during Tuesday n…

In today’s episode, the informal tripartite dinner meeting with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in New York was described “very good” by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Elsewhere, marketing fresh fruit and vegetables is still “seriously problematic”, with exorbitant retail prices and profits of up to 342 per cent, the Cyprus Consumers …

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are on the “same page” regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem, that there cannot be a solution outside the agreed framework. Meanwhile, MPs have criticised the transfer of human trafficking oversight to the deputy ministry of migration, arguing that th…

In today's episode, Cyprus’ first natural gas extraction will most likely be from the Kronos reservoir in block 6, which may be in 2027, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Sunday. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides is travelling to London on Monday after an invitation by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Elsewhere, a delivery d…

In today’s episode, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos announced on Thursday that measures to tackle the high cost of living will be reintroduced, including zero VAT on diapers, baby milk, female hygiene products, and fruits and vegetables Elsewhere, Newly appointed auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou expressed confidence on Thursday that any dis…

In today’s episode, a scientist of Cypriot origin has been awarded the 2024 Nobel peace price for chemistry. Meanwhile, Cyprus was elected to a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council for the first time. Elsewhere, more than 2,000 people from 20 different countries have arrived in Cyprus from Lebanon as part of facilitated departures amid t…

In today's episode, the Republic of Cyprus was told on Tuesday to pay around €50,000 in damages to two asylum seekers for degrading treatment and pushback as they sought refuge in Cyprus from Lebanon, in a European Court of Human Rights ruling. Meanwhile, the first West Nile virus case seen in Cyprus this year has been detected in an elderly man fr…

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides is in a “position of strength” ahead of his informal dinner with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday. Meanwhile, ongoing and unacceptable dangers faced by their staff are a grave issue, nurses’ u…

In today’s episode, a European Court of Justice ruling has scuppered Cyprus' plans to declare parts of Syria as safe, with a view to returning migrants to those parts of Syria. Meanwhile, Mehmet Tulek, whose daughter Asya was one of the 24 Cypriot children who were killed when the Isias hotel in the southeastern Turkish city of Adiyaman collapsed d…

In today’s episode, a Lockheed C-130 aircraft provided by the Greek Defence Ministry arrived at Larnaca airport on Thursday, facilitating the evacuation of Cypriot citizens from Lebanon. Elsewhere, the European Commission has sued Cyprus for failing to implement an EU directive mandating a global minimum corporate tax rate. Also, two-thirds of swim…

In today's episode, the government on Wednesday was bracing for heightened security measures as an all-out war in Middle East loomed, prompting diplomats to flee Beirut in boats docking in Cyprus. Meanwhile, Cyprus was the likely launchpad for the military support offered by the United Kingdom to defend Israel from a volley of Iranian missiles laun…

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides fired his police chief. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators lined up outside the Akrotiri base to protest the ongoing killing in Gaza. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government on Wednesday said it was at its highest level of preparedness for evacuations from the region, as Britain announced 700 troops were being deployed to Cyprus to help UK nationals leave Lebanon. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, focusing on Cyprus’ role in…