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Cyprus approves school CCTV system after privacy review

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Cyprus approves school CCTV system after privacy review

The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth received approval to install a Closed-Circuit Video Surveillance System (CCVSS) in schools after consulting with the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection. Cameras will be placed at entrances, exits, and perimeters of schools, with recording limited to school grounds and excluded private or public areas. The system will operate outside school hours, with footage stored for 72 hours and access strictly controlled. Warning signs will be placed to inform the public. The approval allows the Ministry to proceed with a pilot program in ten schools initially.

Move to install cameras in schools approved

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Move to install cameras in schools approved

Fact: Personal data protection commissioner Irene Loizidou Nicolaidou approved a plan to install CCTV cameras at schools to deal with violence and delinquency.

State stymied by delay in proposed changes by Larnaca port company

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State stymied by delay in proposed changes by Larnaca port company

Fact: Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades clarified that stalled works on the multimillion euro Larnaca port revamp are due to a procedural hold-up by the managing company, Cypriot-Israeli consortium Kition Ocean Holdings.

Construction in Cyprus in , ‘state of anarchy’ – Etek

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Construction in Cyprus in , ‘state of anarchy’ – Etek

Construction in Cyprus is in a “state of anarchy” according to the Scientific and Technical Chamber (Etek), with building violations out of control. The chairman of Etek warned that there is a perception of impunity and tolerance to illegality, leading to irreversible consequences. Etek has submitted proposals to simplify procedures and speed up licensing processes. Local authorities are urged to carry out on-site construction inspections and control illegal buildings. The chairman called for no tolerance for illegality and severe punishment for offenders.

Germany’s Lindner plays down coalition breakup fears, hails ability to compromise

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Germany’s Lindner plays down coalition breakup fears, hails ability to compromise

German Finance Minister Christian Lindner evaded questions about his party leaving the ruling coalition over tough budget talks, stating that compromise has always been reached. Lindner’s comments and low poll ratings have led to speculation about the FDP’s stance on debt-funded public spending. The government is working on the budget for 2025 and the financial plan up to 2028. Lindner aims to achieve an economic turnaround and present a good budget. He presented an idea to free up more funds in budget negotiations by increasing defense spending if debt levels decrease by 2028. Lindner believes it is possible to reach a solution within the current coalition despite challenges.

Today, ’s weather: Yellow warning in place

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Today, ’s weather: Yellow warning in place

The meteorology department has issued a yellow weather warning for Monday from 10am until 7pm. Intense storms are expected with precipitation rates between 35 and 55 millimeters per hour.

Poland holds local elections in test for Tusk

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Poland holds local elections in test for Tusk

Poles are voting in local elections to choose councillors and mayors who will distribute EU funds and show satisfaction with Donald Tusk’s government. Tusk’s pro-European coalition won the parliamentary elections and aims to prevent a return to nationalist rule under the Law and Justice party. The local elections will also indicate the dominance of Tusk’s Civic Coalition in government and will be closely watched in Brussels. Jaroslaw Kaczynski sees the elections as a chance to send a warning to the current government. A second round of mayoral voting will take place on April 21.

State pension fund reaching critical levels

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State pension fund reaching critical levels

The Fiscal Council has warned that state borrowing from the Social Insurance Fund has reached critical levels, with the government owing over €10 billion to the fund. This borrowing threatens public finances and could lead to pressure on the state budget. The Council suggests reducing the state’s debt to the fund and revising the investment policy to achieve higher returns. The study also recommends increasing the percentage of assets invested in non-government securities to diversify the portfolio.

Today, ’s weather: Possible isolated storms

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Today, ’s weather: Possible isolated storms

– Saturday’s weather may entail localised rain and isolated storms in various parts of the island.
– Temperatures will rise to 25 degrees Celsius inland, 22 degrees Celsius on the coasts, and 16 degrees Celsius in the mountains.
– Overnight temperatures will drop to around 10 degrees Celsius inland, 12 degrees Celsius on the coasts, and six degrees Celsius in the mountains.
– Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist through Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures expected to continue to drop.

Our View: Government hypocrisy regarding the environment is sickening

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Our View: Government hypocrisy regarding the environment is sickening

Fact: Cyprus is being taken to the European Court of Justice for failure to protect natural habitats, as announced by the EU in March.