Anastasiades

CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

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CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

The Cyprus-China relations are being tested due to a dispute over a gas regasification terminal project in Vasilikos. The Chinese state-owned company CPP is reluctant to complete the project, demanding additional financial compensation of EUR 200 million. The Cypriot side argues that CPP’s objections to the contract terms are either in bad faith or due to financial inability. The collapse of cooperation with CPP would result in significant financial costs for Cyprus and delay the introduction of natural gas for cheaper electricity generation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that a floating gas regasification unit remains in Shanghai due to berthing modifications required by Lloyd’s Register. If the terminal project is frozen, Cyprus may face significant financial consequences, with responsibility shared between the Cypriot government and the Chinese state-owned company CPP.

As wealth inequality rises in Cyprus both people and democracy suffer

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As wealth inequality rises in Cyprus both people and democracy suffer

Cyprus households have a median net wealth of €200,400 in 2021, with the top 10% holding 46.1% of the net wealth. Wealth inequality is increasing, with the Gini coefficient for wealth distribution rising. Inheritance and bequests are a major factor in explaining wealth inequality. Returns to capital have grown faster than returns to labor, leading to greater wealth accumulation by households owning capital. High wealth inequality has profound socioeconomic effects and political consequences in shaping election outcomes and policies.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

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Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.

ELAM is running rampant and Makarios is resurrected

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ELAM is running rampant and Makarios is resurrected

On Holy Saturday, ELAM’s candidate carried the Holy Fire to a hospital with men performing Nazi salutes as motorcyclists. The hospital patients were used in a performance without their consent. DIKO resurrected Makarios on social media to counter ELAM’s popularity. DIKO invokes Makarios’ spirit for assistance despite ongoing issues in Cyprus. Voters are expected to place their hopes in Makarios once again, even though past hopes were dashed.

Our View: Cyprus has much to celebrate when it comes to its EU membership

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Our View: Cyprus has much to celebrate when it comes to its EU membership

Cyprus has been a member of the European Union for 20 years, leading to political, economic, and social growth. Membership has brought about increased accountability, transparency, and protection of citizens’ rights. The EU has also provided a level of security and protection against Turkey. However, membership has led to complacency regarding the Cyprus problem, with politicians believing there is no need for a settlement. President Nikos Christodoulides believes that the country has transformed for the better in the past 20 years.

US working to deliver aid to Gaza through any available route, Ambassador says

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US working to deliver aid to Gaza through any available route, Ambassador says

The US is working to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza through various routes, including the sea lane from Larnaca, according to US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher. The construction of a floating platform for aid delivery is in its final stages, and efforts are being made to ensure that aid reaches Gaza as soon as possible.

Pensioners accuse government of failing to deliver on allowances and cost-of-living support

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Pensioners accuse government of failing to deliver on allowances and cost-of-living support

Thousands of low-income retirees did not receive an Easter bonus this year, with the number of those affected higher than in previous years. Only 13,500 individuals were eligible for the allowance, which was less than last year. The promised €100 allowance turned out to be only €50 per pensioner household with two individuals.

Makarios Droussiotis publishes the lawsuit by Anastasiades

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Makarios Droussiotis publishes the lawsuit by Anastasiades

Makarios Droussiotis, a journalist and MEP candidate with Volt Cyprus party, revealed that former President Nicos Anastasiades is demanding two million euros in damages for references made in Droussiotis’s book State Mafia. Droussiotis testified to the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority about Anastasiades for six hours and is prepared to defend the contents of his book despite the legal action.

Cyprus to mark 20 years since joining EU

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Cyprus to mark 20 years since joining EU

Cyprus will celebrate 20 years since being inducted into the EU with an event at the presidential palace. President Nikos Christodoulides and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will address the event, which will also be attended by other officials. Students will present their actions in the framework of the “School-Ambassador of the European Parliament” program, and there will be a photograph exhibition of the Press and Information Office from before and after Cyprus’s accession to the EU.

Our View: Political games have turned local elections into farce

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Our View: Political games have turned local elections into farce

– Candidacies were submitted for the most complex elections ever held in Cyprus, where people would be voting for Members of European Parliament and an unprecedented number of local government officials.
– There are 63 candidates for the six seats in the European Parliament and 3,232 candidates for the local authority elections, including school boards.
– The vote for local government includes voting for municipal councillors, a deputy mayor, a mayor, and a district governor.
– The introduction of an elected district governor was not in the government reform plans but was added by a party without clear justification.
– The reform of local government was recommended in 2013 due to the costly, inefficient, and poor service provided by the existing system.
– The creation of new municipalities was influenced by political parties’ interests in creating positions for their members rather than streamlining services.
– The reform turned into a farce due to horse-trading by parties, resulting in a costly system that may not address the waste of public money.
– The authorities of the district governor and mayors remain to be seen how they will be exercised.