Eight arrests were made in connection with an attempted murder that took place in Nicosia’s Lakatamia suburb. The victim, a 34-year-old man riding a motorcycle, was shot in the neck by a passenger on another motorcycle. The man was taken to Nicosia General Hospital and is reportedly well known to police. An eyewitness saw the victim fall to the ground in a pool of blood.
Cypriots are pessimistic about the future, the economy, and geopolitical crises, but maintain trust in European institutions and the single currency. The two traditional political parties, DISY and AKEL, are expected to dominate the upcoming elections for members of the European Parliament, mayors, and councillors. DISY is in the lead for the election of the six MEPs with 20%, followed by AKEL with 19%.
– A slew of illegal developments have taken place in environmentally protected areas across the country, including Natura 2000 sites.
– A politically exposed person in Sotira, Famagusta benefited from irregular procedures in obtaining a town planning permit for a tourism development.
– Holiday homes were constructed before all the necessary permits and approvals were granted.
– The most important habitat cave for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus was affected by illegal construction.
– Cyprus has been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU for its failure to comply with its obligations under the Habitats Directive.
– Concerns were raised over an illegal biological plant in Kalopanayiotis causing environmental pollution.
– A forest conservator is under investigation for illegal cattle farms within the Natura 2000 area.
– Requests by the Inia community for placing sunbeds and umbrellas at Lara beach were promoted illegally, despite objections by the fisheries department.
– Multiple fires occurred at the Geri-Dali recycling plant site and waste was not properly managed.
Fact: A.I. Motokinisi is the official importer and distributor of Porsche cars in Cyprus.
Political populism often exploits religion to target vulnerable and misled individuals who believe easily. Extremists, such as the criminal elements of Golden Dawn, engage in violent acts like the recent physical attack within Parliament by independent MP Konstantinos Floros. This incident, along with the exclusion of Spartiates from the European elections, could lead to significant changes in the far-right electoral landscape. Meanwhile, measures such as traffic light cameras in Cyprus have led to a reduction in traffic accidents, but Greece seems reluctant to follow suit.
Israel has increased airstrikes on Rafah, killing at least six Palestinians, as part of their ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces are preparing for an all-out assault on Hamas holdouts in Rafah, despite warnings from allies about potential mass casualties. Residents are fleeing the area, seeking safety in nearby locations, but many are uncertain about where to go. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the war now in its seventh month. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.
Fact: Nicosia police are continuing investigations to identify the perpetrators of the attempted murder of a 34-year-old man on the Paleochori – Anthoupolis road. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The traffic camera system in Limassol will extend its operations with the activation of five fixed cameras at two additional locations starting next Monday.
– The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has important segments scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025.
– The US corporate tax rate was reduced from 35% to 21% and is not scheduled to sunset.
– The Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction of 20% for passthrough entities is scheduled to end in 2025.
– Bonus depreciation deductions are scheduled to decrease over the years and eventually sunset.
– The TCJA repealed the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for corporations.
– It is important to consult a tax attorney for domestic and international tax planning for corporate entities post-2025.
– The Corporate Transparency Act requires small corporate entities to disclose ownership interests.
– Congressional decisions on QBI deductions and AMT may be impacted by reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act.
Cyprus was honored at a ceremony celebrating 20 years since acceding to the European Union. Kyriacos Yiallourides, the first Cypriot born on May 1, 2004, asked about Cypriots’ expectations during the road to accession. George Iacovou mentioned that Cypriots hoped for security and stability and that the younger generations were excited about opportunities to study, work, and live abroad. The EU is characterized by breaking down borders and former enemies becoming friends. Yiallourides hopes more countries continue to join the EU to promote peace in Europe. EU Parliament president Roberta Metsola discussed the benefits of being part of the EU and embracing differences while ensuring equality of opportunity.