Politis (CY)

These are the six chosen ones of the EDEK European ballot

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These are the six chosen ones of the EDEK European ballot

The Political Bureau of EDEK has decided to form the EDEK ballot for the European Parliament elections. The candidates for EDEK MEPs are: Nikos Anastasiou, Mayor of Polemidia, President of the EDEK District Committee of Limassol; Andreas Apostolou, MP of Larnaca; Pantelitsa Giokka, Philologist; Vivian Kanari, Journalist; Elias Myrianthous, MP of Paphos; and Nicholas Philippou, General Director of PASYKAF. The final ballot will be ratified at the EDEK National Conference on Sunday, February 11th.

AKEL, DISY and DIPA request the appointment of a Financial Commissioner immediately

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AKEL, DISY and DIPA request the appointment of a Financial Commissioner immediately

The Greek government has left the Unified Authority for the Out-of-Court Resolution of Financial Disputes (EFEEDEXF) without a Commissioner since June. Members of Parliament have requested the immediate appointment of a Financial Commissioner. The budget for EFEEDEXF for 2024 has been approved unanimously and includes reduced expenses compared to the previous year. The budget deficit will be covered by the agency's reserves. The recent legislation passed for EFEEDEXF has created expectations in society and borrowers. The appointment of a Commissioner is crucial for implementing the new legislation. The new Board of EFEEDEXF will announce the position and make a recommendation to the Cabinet. The government is expected to appoint a Commissioner soon. The Office of the Commissioner should launch an advertising campaign to inform citizens about the new responsibilities. The government's delay in appointing a Commissioner is seen as a failure.

Vafeadis: The photo labeling measure is effective – From 800 to 200 complaints per day

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Vafeadis: The photo labeling measure is effective - From 800 to 200 complaints per day

The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeiadis, emphasized the importance and effectiveness of the photo-enforcement system in improving road safety and reducing fatal road accidents. The Council of Road Safety was informed that the number of complaints regarding the system has decreased from 800 per day to an average of 200 per day in the last quarter of 2022. There was a discussion about the operational issues with the photo-enforcement system and the need for better public information. Measures will be taken to improve the system's functionality and signage. The practical implementation of the legislation for e-scooters and the monitoring of rental companies and usage were also discussed. The Minister proposed expanding the 30 km/h speed limit zones to promote safe use of personal mobility devices and will take initiatives to implement relevant applications. The need for modifications to the legislation will be evaluated in collaboration with the Union of Municipalities.

Cyprus' opponents in the Nations League

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Cyprus' opponents in the Nations League

The draw for Group C of the next Nations League (2024/25) has been completed, and Cyprus will participate in it. The national team of Cyprus has been drawn into Group 2 of the category and will have Romania, Kosovo, and the winner of the playoff between Lithuania and Gibraltar as opponents. The schedule for the matches is as follows: 1st matchday: September 5-7, 2nd matchday: September 8-10, 3rd matchday: October 10-12, 4th matchday: October 13-15, 5th matchday: November 14-16, 6th matchday: November 17-19.

Search and rescue volunteers are restricted by law for safety reasons

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Search and rescue volunteers are restricted by law for safety reasons

The Ministry of Defense has passed a bill stating that only reserve frogmen, paratroopers, and those with recognized first aid, lifeguard, and diving licenses will be allowed to participate in rescue operations. The approximately 200 current volunteers who do not belong to these categories will be released. The bill also outlines the criteria for individuals to become volunteer rescuers, including being a citizen or permanent resident of Cyprus and meeting certain qualifications. Employers are required to allow volunteer rescuers to participate in operations when called upon by the Ministry of Defense. In case of injury or death during volunteer duties, free medical care will be provided. The volunteer status can be suspended for various reasons, including health issues, failure to perform duties properly, non-compliance with orders, inappropriate behavior, or at the volunteer's request. The 200 current volunteers will be evaluated to determine if they meet the criteria outlined in the bill.

EAC: We will not avoid a 6% increase in tariffs in 2024

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EAC: We will not avoid a 6% increase in tariffs in 2024

The text states that an increase of 6% in electricity prices is necessary to finance investments for upgrading the network. The government will not insist on recovering the costs of 2023, but the 6% increase will still be implemented. The increase translates to approximately 2 cents per kilowatt-hour. The government is considering extending subsidies to alleviate the pressure on consumers. The political parties AKEL and DISY have proposed additional measures to support households and businesses, including taxing the excess profits of energy companies.

They were handing out cash in suitcases in a hotel in Nicosia but… – In the Parliament, the €1m kickbacks for SAPA projects

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They were handing out cash in suitcases in a hotel in Nicosia but... - In the Parliament, the €1m kickbacks for SAPA projects

The Commission of Institutions decided to examine the reasons why disciplinary cases against two construction companies involved in the bribery scandal of the Paphos Sewerage Board (SAPA) were not tried for eight years. The companies and their executives admitted to being involved in the scandal, but the cases were dismissed due to the delay in their proceedings. The Council of Registrations and Control of Contractors terminated the disciplinary prosecutions. The Mayor of Paphos, Phaedonas Phaedonos, called for an investigation into the reasons why the trials were not completed. The four Councils of Contractors appointed since 2016 were unable to reach decisions on the disciplinary cases. The delay in the proceedings was deemed an abuse of the process, resulting in the dismissal of the charges against the companies and their executives.

Farmers with their tractors outside the House of Europe – See the traffic regulations in the center of the capital

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Farmers with their tractors outside the House of Europe - See the traffic regulations in the center of the capital

Farmers from various regions of Cyprus will gather outside the House of Europe in Nicosia to protest against the EU's agricultural policies. They will present a resolution to the European Commission and distribute fruits to passing drivers. The police have planned traffic arrangements for the protest. Farmers from the Paphos province will also gather at the Konion roundabout. The farmers' protest is aimed at raising awareness among consumers about the impact of EU policies on agriculture. They argue that production costs are unrealistic, green taxes are imposed on various aspects of farming, and imports from Ukraine and other countries are uncontrolled. The EU is also accused of promoting unfair competition by entering into trade agreements with Latin American countries for the import of agricultural products that do not meet European quality standards. The police have announced traffic arrangements for the protest, and the Lord Byron Avenue in Nicosia will be closed during the event. Traffic facilitation will be provided by the police throughout the protest.

Israel's prime minister rejected Hamas' terms

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Israel's prime minister rejected Hamas' terms

Hamas proposes a 4.5-month ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the withdrawal of the Israeli army. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposed terms, stating that a "total victory" for his country is possible within the next few months. He also dismissed the negotiations with Hamas as "going nowhere" and called their demands "strange." Netanyahu reiterated the goals of the war, which include the destruction of Hamas, the return of hostages, and ensuring that Gaza is not a threat to Israel. He stated that the Israeli army is prepared to fight in Rafah, on the Gaza-Egypt border. The Egyptian and Qatari officials are facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire. Hamas agreed to the talks with the goal of achieving a ceasefire, ending the war, and an exchange of prisoners. The Israeli authorities will discuss whether to reject Hamas' proposal or seek alternative terms, as some of their demands for the release of hostages cannot be met.