The Democratic Party (DP) in the north is considering leaving the government, with party leader Fikri Ataoglu expected to implement the decision. If the DP leaves, the government would still stand, but the remaining parties would have a slim majority in parliament. The UBP would then have to rely on the YDP to pass legislation.
A complaint was filed by the finance ministry to police over a raffle being carried out to build an illegal monastery in the environmentally protected Natura 2000 area of Cape Greco.
Fact: The Cyprus church is ignoring government warnings about illegal monastery-building works in the environmentally-protected Cape Greco area.
Political party Disy, led by Annita Demetriou, is expected to win in the local and EU elections on June 9, despite facing significant opposition. During a speech where Disy’s MEP candidates and local government candidates for Larnaca district were presented, Demetriou highlighted the challenges the party is facing from various directions aimed at undermining its achievements. She emphasized the party’s resilience and determination to defend its values and achievements against those underestimating or betraying it. Demetriou also mentioned the departure of former party vice-president Marios Pelekanos, who joined nationalist Elam for the EU elections. She described Disy as a reformist political force that played a crucial role in Cyprus’s integration into the European Union, honoring the party’s founder Glafcos Clerides. Demetriou expressed confidence in Disy’s victory in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of this win for representing the interests of the people, Cyprus, and Larnaca.
The tax department in Cyprus is examining the books at Osiou Avakoum monastery to determine if it has met all taxation requirements. This action is part of an audit to assess compliance with tax obligations by the monastery and individuals involved. The investigation follows the suspension of five monks by the Holy Synod amid scandals involving suspect economic activities, financial crimes, sexual harassment, and abuse allegations. The monastery had previously applied for a €3 million fundraiser in 2020 without submitting necessary financial statements. A safe box containing €800,000 was found at the monastery, which was transferred to the Tamassos Bishopric under police supervision.
The deadline for entering the contest to become the leader of Ireland’s Fine Gael party and the country’s next prime minister has been moved up to Sunday, March 24th, at 1pm (1300 GMT). Simon Harris is currently the only contender in the contest.
The Osiou Avakoum monastery applied for a €3 million fundraiser to the interior ministry in 2020 but failed to submit the necessary financial statements afterwards. The application for the fundraiser, intended for the expansion of the monastery, was approved by the Tamassos Bishopric. The monastery is currently embroiled in scandals involving financial crimes, sexual harassment, and abuse, with investigations being conducted by the police and the anti-money laundering unit. A safe box containing €800,000 was found at the monastery, and the cash was transferred to the Tamassos Bishopric under police supervision. No arrests have been made in connection with these issues. The interior ministry expected a financial statement from the monastery after approving its fundraising application in 2021 but did not receive any despite sending eight reminders. A subsequent fundraising request from the monastery in 2023 was not approved, even though it provided bank statements showing €85,000 transfers from the previous fundraiser. The ministry plans to re-examine the case in light of these revelations, and MPs have called for a thorough investigation into money laundering within the church. Two investigators have been appointed by the attorney-general to examine allegations involving police officers’ presence at the monastery without senior officers’ knowledge or orders.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed opposition to altering national flags after Nike’s decision to use a modified design of the St George’s Cross on England’s soccer shirts, which upset some fans. Nike introduced a new design for England’s national soccer teams’ kit, featuring the St. George’s Cross in shades of red, blue, and purple on the shirt collar, describing it as a “playful update” to honor the 1966 World Cup-winning team. This design change has led to criticism from fans and calls for its removal. Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton also voiced their concerns, suggesting a reconsideration of the design and adherence to traditional colors. Nike aimed to unite and inspire with the design, which also includes a gradient of blues and reds with purple on the cuffs, reflecting the training gear of the 1966 team.
British opposition Labour party leader Keir Starmer urged people to respect the privacy of Kate, the Princess of Wales, after she became the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories following her abdominal surgery in January. Starmer emphasized the need for privacy for Kate, who had a non-cancerous but unspecified condition, during an interview on Channel 5 television. This call for privacy comes amidst weeks of online rumors and further intrigue sparked by an apology from Kate for editing a photo taken by her husband William of her and their three children. British newspapers have echoed the sentiment that the public should stop speculating about her health. Kate’s office has maintained that she is recovering well and will only provide significant updates. The Princess was last seen in a video published by the Sun, showing her walking and carrying shopping bags with William near their home in Windsor. Additionally, Britain’s data watchdog is investigating a report that hospital staff tried to access Kate’s private health records.
An anti-racism event was held in the old city of Nicosia on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is observed annually on March 21. The event was organized by the Alliance Against the Far Right, Fascism, and Racism, with participation from Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties and organizations. Attendees included Akel’s General Secretary, Stefanos Stefanou, and the Green Party Leader, George Perdikis. The march started at Solomos Square and ended at Faneromeni Square, where an artistic program took place. Participants chanted slogans against racism and fascism. Marina Stavrinou-Koukou, a member of the alliance, stated the march aimed to highlight the importance of equality and the rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable groups, migrants, and those from diverse backgrounds. Koukou emphasized the worsening situation regarding the rise of the far right and inhumane ideologies, and the need for continued efforts towards human rights, equality in employment, and humane living conditions. She called on the state and government to support these efforts, highlighting the impact of racism and fascism on society. The alliance includes over 60 organizations, encompassing Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot, and migrant groups.