President Nikos Christodoulides and Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou have acknowledged the concerns raised by smallscale halloumi producers and have promised to address the issue. They have agreed to engage in discussions with the cheesemakers to find a solution that balances the protection of halloumi’s PDO status with the sustainability of small producers, offering hope for a positive outcome in the near future.
In a daring early morning heist in Kioneli, an armed intruder broke into a house at 5:30 am with a doublebarrelled rifle, making off with 500,000TL (€13,873) in 200TL notes. Despite his subsequent arrest, the stolen money has yet to be recovered, leaving the community on edge and authorities scrambling to solve the mystery.
The ministries’ collaborative efforts for the 2025 budget aim to align with President Christodoulides’ strategic goals, focusing on longterm benefits in infrastructure, health, education, and economic growth. This transparent and meticulous approach sets the stage for progress and prosperity, reflecting the government’s vision and commitment to governance.
Former UK Minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith is pushing for direct flights between the UK and Northern Cyprus, aiming to ease travel for Turkish Cypriot British citizens with family in the north and to aid reunification efforts on the island. His advocacy underscores the humanitarian impact and improved connectivity that such flights could bring, emphasizing the urgent need for action to bridge the divide between communities separated by political and geographical boundaries.
The new pension policy reform increases payments for early retirees with 40 years of contributions, benefiting over 11,000 pensioners with an average annual increase of €800, without raising current workforce contributions. The government’s initiative aims to mitigate financial challenges faced by retirees who chose to retire early, supporting individuals from physically demanding industries like construction and transport.
The Amalthea initiative perseveres in delivering aid to Gaza despite the closure of a USbased humanitarian pier. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirms that alternative methods have been planned to ensure continuous aid delivery, showcasing the initiative’s unwavering commitment to assisting Gaza’s civilians.
The increase in traffic cameras has led to a significant decline in road violations, enhancing safety and traffic flow. With a rise in surveillance technology, authorities are better equipped to identify problem areas and improve road safety measures, ultimately working towards a safer environment for all road users.
The Island Private School in Limassol, Cyprus, has achieved full International Baccalaureate accreditation, becoming the exclusive provider of the complete IB curriculum on the island. This milestone signifies a commitment to shaping globally competent, socially responsible, and academically proficient individuals from early childhood to preuniversity levels, setting a new standard in Cypriot education.
Taxi licenses were suspended at Larnaca Airport due to violations of pickup and dropoff rules. The Licensing Authority imposed temporary suspensions on 22 city and longdistance taxis to improve compliance and the overall travel experience, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders.
In a bold move, Hellenic Bank’s board rejected Eurobank’s offer of €2.56 per share as significantly undervaluing the bank, advisors estimating a fair value between €3.31 and €4.12. Shareholders are advised to seek independent advice before making decisions regarding the acquisition offer.
