Cyprus achieved a notable fiscal surplus of €918.9 million, or 3.1% of GDP, in 2023. This surplus marks an increase from the previous year, showcasing strong economic performance and effective expenditure management.
The upcoming carbon tax in Cyprus, set to take effect in 2024, will have a significant impact on taxpayers, coinciding with high electricity bills from carbon emissions allowances. Costs are projected to increase from €300 million to potentially €500 million, presenting a substantial financial challenge for residents and businesses while aiming to reduce the island’s carbon footprint. The government’s environmental policies and the implementation of the carbon tax will shape the financial landscape for individuals and businesses, with the potential to impact the broader goals of sustainability and economic stability in the long term.
The Attorney General of Cyprus has ordered a criminal investigation into a member of the Cyprus Olympic Committee following allegations of financial mismanagement and irregularities. Concerns were raised about the expenses of the Games of the Small States of Europe, particularly the large delegation and disparities in accommodation expenses. The investigation will also examine allegations of poor governance practices and the whereabouts of sponsorship funds. The focus on governance practices within the Committee is likely to prompt calls for reform to restore trust in its operations.
Two underage siblings were brutally attacked by five masked individuals armed with bats and sticks near Vergina High School in Larnaca, after they refused to answer questions about their football team allegiances. The incident has sparked concern in the community, prompting an investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and raising questions about security and the safety of the city’s youth.
Retired art teacher, Androula Angelidou Antoniadou, has singlehandedly transformed a graffiticovered playground in Larnaca into a vibrant communal space, with support from the local community and council. Her initiative aims to enhance mental wellbeing and community spirit through the power of beauty and creativity, inspiring a call for wider change in revitalizing public areas for the benefit of the community’s mental health and collective morale.
Recent audits have revealed that traffic cameras in Cyprus have recorded police vehicles committing 164 traffic violations over a 13month period. Shockingly, 93% of these violations were dismissed without proper documentation, and the fines for the remaining 7% remain unpaid, highlighting a significant accountability issue in law enforcement.
Authorities have successfully thwarted a beef smuggling operation in northern Nicosia, arresting two individuals and seizing 264 kilograms of beef. This coordinated effort is part of ongoing attempts to dismantle illegal trade networks, ensuring public safety and protecting local economies.
Residents in the north are feeling the effects of rising electricity costs as KibTek announces a second price hike within a single month, resulting in a roughly 15% increase for all consumers. These new tariffs introduce a tiered pricing structure, with prices ranging from €0.09 per kWh for the first 250 kWh to €0.24 per kWh for usage over 1,001 kWh, and threetime tariff rates ranging from €0.18 to €0.24 per kWh depending on the time of day.
Two explosions rocked Nicosia, with one targeting a café in the city center and another hitting a café in the Lakatamia suburb. Authorities are investigating the incidents and working to determine who placed the explosive devices, causing damage to the surrounding areas.
In 2023, INTERPOL celebrates its 100th anniversary with the 91st General Assembly, a momentous event that brings together member countries to reflect on past achievements and plan for the future. Cyprus, where INTERPOL was originally conceptualized, plays a prominent role in the assembly, exemplifying its commitment to global law enforcement collaboration. The assembly serves as a testament to INTERPOL’s vital position in international police work and its enduring legacy of fostering international police cooperation.
