government

Mitch McConnell to end long tenure as top US Senate Republican

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Mitch McConnell to end long tenure as top US Senate Republican

Top U.S. Senate Republican Mitch McConnell announced he will step down this year from his leadership role, ending a nearly 17-year tenure as a Senate party leader, the longest on record. McConnell has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985 and has been the Republican leader since 2007. He played a significant role in helping Donald Trump secure a 6-3 conservative majority in the Supreme Court. Despite his contributions, McConnell has faced opposition from hardline Republican opponents allied with Trump. He stated his intention not to run for Senate Republican leader in the upcoming November party elections, planning to serve out the rest of his term in the Senate, which extends through January 2027. Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and John Barrasso are expected to vie for the top party job. McConnell has also been vocal about his opposition to Trump’s conduct, particularly regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and has supported aid to Ukraine against some Republican opposition.

Moscow ready to contribute to Cyprus talks, Zakharova says

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Moscow ready to contribute to Cyprus talks, Zakharova says

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Britain on the 65th anniversary of the Zurich-London Agreements and expressed Moscow’s readiness to contribute to the Cyprus issue’s settlement based on UN Security Council resolutions. She emphasized that a compromise should be reached through voluntary talks of the Cypriot communities without outside pressure. Zakharova noted that the independence of Cyprus was “severely limited” by the Zurich-London agreements, which allowed London, Athens, and Ankara to intervene in Cyprus’s internal affairs and led to the stationing of Greek and Turkish military forces on the island. Britain retained two areas totaling 256 square kilometers as sovereign bases. She described the agreements as having a “dangerous conflict dynamic” that led to bloody conflicts and the island’s division. Zakharova criticized Britain’s current aggressive behavior in the region, which undermines regional stability and the settlement of the Cyprus issue. She also mentioned the Soviet Union’s support for Cypriot independence during the decolonization process and its criticism of the British Government’s intentions to consolidate its state and sow discord between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

House discusses reining in Attorney-general, ’s powers

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House discusses reining in Attorney-general, ’s powers

The House Institutions committee discussed the possibility of limiting the powers of the Attorney-general in Cyprus following the European Commission’s 2023 report on the rule of law. Attorney-general George Savvides has decided to promote an internal review process for his decisions, which will be conducted by a new team of legal officers. The discussion also addressed the need for the Audit service’s access to information and the prioritization of reviewing the Attorney-general’s role by the justice ministry. The committee highlighted the importance of digitizing the Cypriot justice system and reducing delays in adjudication. A proposed law for a constitutional amendment was mentioned, aiming to separate powers and address issues with the Attorney-general’s decision-making process.

McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

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McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced he would step down from his leadership role after nearly 17 years, making him the longest-serving party leader in the chamber’s history. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, cited age as a reason for his departure. His stepping down will leave a significant gap in negotiations with Democrats and the White House, particularly concerning spending deals to prevent government shutdowns. McConnell has been a central figure in shaping the conservative direction of the Supreme Court, notably in blocking Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland in 2016 and facilitating the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, contributing to a 6-3 conservative majority. He has had a contentious relationship with Donald Trump, especially after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, despite voting to acquit Trump, he blamed him for inciting the insurrection. Senators John Thune and John Cornyn are expected to compete for McConnell’s leadership position.

Govt given until 2026 to open juvenile detention centre

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Govt given until 2026 to open juvenile detention centre

The government of Cyprus has been given a deadline until the beginning of 2026 to open a juvenile detention center, as mandated by the House legal affairs committee. The committee chairman, Nikos Tornaritis, expressed dissatisfaction with the current progress and announced that young offenders would remain in a separate area of the central prison until the end of 2025. Tornaritis also highlighted the need to consider relocating the central prison away from residential areas and to build modern facilities, noting the prison’s current overcapacity and its implications for human rights. Additionally, discussions have taken place regarding the construction of new District courts in Nicosia, with a positive agreement from the government to proceed immediately.

Report on Akamas roadworks expected , ‘within days’

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Report on Akamas roadworks expected , ‘within days’

A report on the construction work on roads in the Akamas region is expected to be completed soon, with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou indicating it will be submitted to the cabinet by mid-March at the latest. Construction in the area was temporarily halted since November due to environmental concerns and allegations of deviation from the agreed parameters. The National Akamas Forest Plan, allowing construction in certain areas, was initiated in September but faced opposition from environmental groups for violating conditions of the plan. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed annoyance at the deviation from the agreed plans. Contractor Cyfield halted all construction works until issues were resolved. The House environment committee criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Petitions have been filed at the European Parliament’s petitions committee, requesting measures to protect the area’s biodiversity.

Government to boost support for rare diseases

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Government to boost support for rare diseases

The government of Cyprus, through its national health scheme Gesy, is actively seeking ways to improve services for patients with rare diseases, as stated by Health Minister Michael Damianos. This effort includes enhancing diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic services through specialized clinics and scientific centers in both public and private sectors. The health ministry aims to support healthcare professionals specialized in rare diseases and has approved the expansion of neonatal screening programs to include eight additional diseases for a three-year period, with a subsequent two-year evaluation. The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) and the paediatric centre Amerikos Argyriou will conduct lab work, while Makarios Hospital will handle the clinical part. For patients diagnosed with rare diseases that require treatment not available locally, the health ministry will facilitate care through specialized medical centers abroad.

UK military housing plans paused after backlash

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UK military housing plans paused after backlash

The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has suspended the implementation of new military housing policies due to criticism. The suspended policies involved changes to Service Family Accommodation, including allocation based on need and a temporary expansion of eligibility. Concerns were raised that these changes could lead to resignations among officers, as they adjusted housing provisions based on need rather than rank. Despite the suspension, the MoD plans to continue with other improvements, such as enhancing Single Living Accommodation, assisting in home purchases, and offering more living arrangement choices. The government is committed to the welfare of Armed Forces personnel, with a £4 billion investment plan for upgrading and constructing new living quarters over the next ten years. A petition against the policy changes received over 7,400 signatures by February 16.

Pensions and state salaries paid together , ‘illegal’

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Pensions and state salaries paid together , ‘illegal’

The auditor-general’s office has called on the Treasury to immediately stop the practice of paying pensions to currently serving state officials, as it violates relevant laws. This issue was highlighted in the Audit Office’s special report on the Treasury for the year 2022. The report also mentioned that about 160 state officials, both retired and currently serving, are receiving multiple pensions, including high-ranking officials like the president and four ministers. Additionally, the report criticized the Treasury for not applying public-sector wage cuts, as stipulated in the 2013 bailout deal, to judges hired after the legislation was passed, a practice that continued until August 2021. Furthermore, the Treasury was found to have inadequately checked adherence to schemes for subsidized loans for businesses and new home loans during the coronavirus pandemic, with some cases lacking necessary supporting documentation.

Benefits system for disabled to be overhauled

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Benefits system for disabled to be overhauled

The government of Cyprus has committed to reforming the benefits system for disabled individuals by separating it from the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) system. Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou emphasized the government’s determination to create specific legislation for disabled benefits, which would address social inclusion, rehabilitation, and services. This decision came after discussions with the Confederation Organisation of the Disabled and plans for further consultations with other organizations. The current integration of disability benefits into the GMI, initiated in 2014, has reportedly resulted in a 40% reduction in benefits for disabled persons. The Confederation’s head, Christakis Nicolaides, has advocated for an increase in state funds for the disabled by €60 million to avoid Cyprus lagging behind in the EU. There is also a call for quicker legislative action from parliament, and suggestions to include benefits for individuals with psychic disorders, such as ADHD, in the new policy. The House labour committee, chaired by Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias, plans to monitor progress on this issue bi-monthly.