House president, minister lock horns over double pensions
Fact: House President Annita Demetriou and the finance minister got into a verbal spat over the issue of pensions given to state officials.
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Benefits of cable sought before investment decision made
The government of Cyprus has asked Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (Admie) to carry out a cost-benefit analysis for the Great Sea Interconnector project, which aims to link the electricity grids of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. The project, previously known as the EuroAsia Interconnector, is estimated to cost €1.9 billion. Cyprus is considering investing €100 million in the project and wants an updated analysis before making a final decision.
Iran vows revenge on Israel after Damascus embassy attack
Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel for an airstrike that killed two of its generals and five other military advisers in Damascus, heightening tensions in the Middle East conflict. The attack on the Iranian embassy compound in Syria was one of the most significant strikes on Iranian interests in the country. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but a senior Israeli official stated that the individuals targeted had been planning attacks on Israeli and American assets. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised revenge for the attack. The attack has drawn condemnation from Russia and raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region.
Rich and retired: the boom beneficiaries who finance Germany’s far right
Germany has seen a decline since the 1970s, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gaining support. The party relies on private donations, with wealthy, elderly backers like Hartmut Issmer, who gave 250,000 euros last year. These donors, mainly businessmen, have views they are unafraid to share and are disproportionately influential. AfD’s treasurer mentioned a positive trajectory for donations, but if the party fails to replace its ageing donor base, that could change. The party is under scrutiny for extremism and racism, making it toxic for potential sympathizers. Mainstream parties receive more significant donations from large companies and associations compared to the AfD.
Russia sentences Pussy Riot activist to eight years for Ukraine ‘war fakes’
Pyotr Verzilov, a Russian-Canadian activist and founder of an independent news site, was sentenced to eight years and four months in absentia for criticizing the war in Ukraine on social media.
Israeli airstrike kills 7 air workers in Gaza, Netanyahu says it was ‘unintentional’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his regret over an Israeli airstrike that unintentionally killed seven people working for Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza. The airstrike hit a WCK convoy, killing citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland, as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. The Israeli military pledged an independent inquiry into the incident, which drew widespread condemnation and increased pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Pournara Reception Centre population rises to 1,182 after recent arrivals
The Pournara First Reception Centre is currently dealing with high pressure due to a recent influx of migrants, with the population now at 1,182, the highest occupancy since last year. The Cypriot asylum services are granting temporary protection to Syrian nationals, allowing them to reside in Cyprus without the obligation of providing housing. Efforts are being made to urge the EU to provide financial aid to Lebanon to contain Syrian refugees within its borders, while also working on reclassifying certain regions in Syria as ‘safe’ for potential repatriation. Diplomatic efforts with Lebanon have not yet yielded significant progress, as an increasing number of Syrians are leaving Lebanon amidst the Gaza conflict.
Cyprus , ‘at its limit’ with migrant flows, discontent with Lebanon
Cyprus is deeply concerned about the increasing arrival of Syrian migrants, with five boats carrying 400 individuals arriving in the last 24 hours. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed discontent with Lebanese authorities for exporting migrants to Cyprus. The EU is urged to support Cyprus in addressing the migration issue. The government is implementing measures to tackle the influx, but the strain on resources is unsustainable. The majority of migrants arriving are from Syria, with a record number of arrivals in the first three months of 2024.
7 tips to increase your chances of getting business financing
Fact: Understanding your financing needs and options is crucial before applying for business financing.
UK government backs J.K. Rowling in Scottish hate crime law challenge
The British government stated that J.K. Rowling should not be arrested for her transgender views after she challenged Scotland’s new hate crime law by asserting that a number of trans women were men.