Mega-rich donors have emerged as key backers of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, collectively donating more than million to support his candidacy against Democratic incumbent Joe Biden.
Students at Sciences Po in Paris blocked access to the university in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza, demanding the institution condemn Israel. Similar demonstrations have been taking place on U.S. campuses. The students displayed Palestinian flags and wore keffiyeh head scarves as a symbol of solidarity with Gaza. They hope their protest will spread to other universities and continue until the genocide in Gaza ends. Israeli forces have killed thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, prompting international outrage and protests.
Fact: A fire broke out at the back of a university bus in northern Nicosia, but no one was injured.
The trial of 11 people responsible for the deaths of 24 Cypriot children and 11 teachers and coaches in a hotel collapse in Turkey is set to resume on Friday. If found guilty, each defendant could face a maximum of 22 and a half years in prison.
Portugal celebrated the 50th anniversary of the “Carnation Revolution” that ended a fascist dictatorship and brought democracy. The revolution was led by junior army officers who wanted democracy and decolonization. Recent celebrations were overshadowed by concerns over the rise of the far right in Portugal, including the populist party Chega. Chega has gained popularity by appealing to those with a revisionist view of history and advocating for changes to the constitution. Despite being the third largest party in Portugal, Chega’s leader denies being fascist and criticizes mainstream parties for not addressing poverty and other issues.
Students at Cyprus University of Technology protested against the decision to relocate certain courses from Limassol to Paphos. The students, who have already rented accommodation in Limassol and work in the city, expressed concerns about the impact of the move on their logistics.
Fact: The families of the 24 Cypriot children who were killed in the Isias hotel collapse traveled to Turkey ahead of the trial of those held responsible for the collapse.
The House of Representatives approved the budget for the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak) for 2024. The budget bill passed by unanimous vote, but MPs raised concerns about lack of transparency and financial scandals at the institution. The budget approval was delayed, leading to pressure on MPs to pass it to ensure university staff would be paid.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has decided to suspend his public duties until next week to consider whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife, Begona Gomez. The court is investigating allegations of influence peddling and business corruption against Gomez, who is accused of using her influence to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course. Sanchez has defended his wife, claiming she has done nothing illegal and is being attacked to weaken him politically and personally. The outcome of this investigation could lead to Sanchez remaining as prime minister, resigning, or facing a confidence vote. In Spain, corruption cases involving politicians and their associates are not uncommon, with high-profile scandals resulting in convictions.
The submission process for candidate nominations in district administrations and municipalities in Larnaca was completed on Wednesday. People in Larnaca are voting in June to elect district governors, mayors, deputy mayors, municipal councillors, and members of school boards. Angelos Hadjicharalambous and Evangelos Evangelides submitted their candidacies for the role of district governor.