House of Representatives

Cyprus: Only 25% of asylum seekers are registered with social insurance services, Minister says

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Cyprus: Only 25% of asylum seekers are registered with social insurance services, Minister says

The government plans to introduce new legislation to address undeclared and illegal labor, with bills set to be presented to the House of Representatives in June for a vote before the summer recess. Labor Minister Yannis Panagiotou highlighted the recent increase in such practices and emphasized the need for swift action. The Minister also discussed benefits for Turkish Cypriots under the Ministry of Labour’s jurisdiction and presented data showing a correlation between undeclared labor and increased migration. The proposed legislative changes include increasing fines for undeclared work to €1000 and holding main contractors liable in addition to subcontractors. Additionally, there will be provisions for electronic registration of all employees in the Ministry’s information system.

Karaiskakio, Ayia Napa Marina to co-host charity dinner

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Karaiskakio, Ayia Napa Marina to co-host charity dinner

Fact: The Karaiskakio Foundation and Ayia Napa Marina are co-organizing “The Glowmorous Dinner” charity event featuring Greek singer Despina Vandi on June 21, 2024, to raise funds for the Foundation’s specialized Children’s Cancer Centre.

President reaffirms support for construction sector

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President reaffirms support for construction sector

President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the construction sector, supported by the Cyprus Property Developers Association (LBDA), plays a vital role in attracting investments, promoting entrepreneurship, and positioning Cyprus as an investment destination.

Celebration planned in parliament for Cyprus, ’ EU anniversary

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Celebration planned in parliament for Cyprus, ’ EU anniversary

High-level guests will attend a celebration in the parliament on Friday during a special session of the House plenum to mark Cyprus’ 20th anniversary since joining the European Union. President Nikos Christodoulides, cabinet ministers, the diplomatic corps, and other officials of the Republic will be present. The event will conclude with an award ceremony for students of high schools and technical schools in the essay competition on “20 years since Cyprus’ accession to the EU.”

Ex-US Capitol cop, Jan. 6 rioter’s runs for Congress illustrate a divided America

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Ex-US Capitol cop, Jan. 6 rioter’s runs for Congress illustrate a divided America

Former U.S. Capitol police officer Harry Dunn and former mob participant Derrick Evans are both running for Congress in Maryland and West Virginia, respectively, after the events of Jan. 6, 2021. Dunn is motivated by his experience defending lawmakers during the attack, while Evans was among the mob that entered the Capitol illegally. Both candidates emphasize the need to defend the U.S. Constitution, but they have different agendas and approaches to politics. Dunn has raised more campaign funds and received endorsements, while Evans focuses on issues like building Trump’s border wall and term limits for Congress members.

Exhibition pays tribute to victims of the Armenian Genocide

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Exhibition pays tribute to victims of the Armenian Genocide

Fact: Artist Khaldoon Daud presents his work in an exhibition titled Armenian Faces at the Pierides Museum – Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation in Larnaca on the occasion of the Remembrance Day of the Armenian Genocide. The exhibition will be open until May 17.

MPs approve Tepak budget amid transparency concerns

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MPs approve Tepak budget amid transparency concerns

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.

Long-awaited aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan poised to pass US Congress

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Long-awaited aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan poised to pass US Congress

The U.S. Senate is set to approve billions of dollars in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan this week, following the House of Representatives’ approval of the assistance in a rare Saturday session. The package includes billion for Ukraine, billion for Israel, .12 billion to counter communist China in the Indo-Pacific, and potential measures such as a ban on TikTok. The aid is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Joe Biden, allowing for the quick delivery of military assistance to Ukraine.

She produces, sells, collects, they kill

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She produces, sells, collects, they kill

The US House of Representatives has allocated billion to Ukraine and billion to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The war in Ukraine benefits the US economy and Russia controls 18% of Ukrainian territory. Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, with mass graves discovered in Khan Yunis. The International Criminal Court should investigate these war crimes. Israel is preparing for military operations in Rafah with the support of its allies. The geopolitical puzzle favors certain countries, like Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus being overlooked. Cypriots and Palestinians struggle to find justice, but the EU must redefine its objectives and not blindly follow American geopolitical interests.

Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, Columbia cancels in-person classes

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Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, Columbia cancels in-person classes

Dozens of people were taken into custody during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Yale University. More than 40 people were apprehended by police as they blocked traffic around Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, demanding the school divest from military weapons manufacturers. The protests at Yale and Columbia were in response to the latest escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which began on Oct. 7. The Columbia University president canceled in-person classes to deescalate tensions on its New York campus following the arrest of over 100 protesters who disrupted school activities. President Joe Biden has put the full force of the federal government behind protecting the Jewish community. Student organizers from the Columbia University encampment responded to claims of antisemitism in the pro-Palestinian protests, stating that some individuals did not represent their movement.