government

From Akamas to vultures, a simple public warning

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From Akamas to vultures, a simple public warning

The need for civil society organizations to act as environmental watchdogs remains urgent, as recent revelations have shown violations of environmental conditions in the Akamas area. The scandal involved roadworks that ignored environmental conditions, and the Forestry Department was supposed to oversee the project. The Water Development Department had warned about violations a year before environmental NGOs raised the alarm. Additionally, efforts are being made to protect Griffon vultures from extinction, with poison baits and power line collisions being major threats. Despite efforts to persuade the Electricity Authority to make infrastructure safer, losses of vultures and eagles continue due to collisions and electrocutions.

Five UK market hotspots to watch ahead of the election

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Five UK market hotspots to watch ahead of the election

– Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a summer election in the UK, surprising many and giving a modest boost to the pound.
– Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has been leading in opinion polls since Sunak took power in 2022.
– UK equities tend to be quite flat in the six months after a national election, with the FTSE 250 outperforming the FTSE 100.
– The pound is sensitive to election time, reflecting international investor opinion about the UK and expected government policies.
– Sectors like Natwest Group, housebuilders, and the water sector will be under scrutiny during the election.
– Bond market investors will closely examine the two parties’ spending plans, especially Labour’s, to ensure bond market stability.
– Credit default swap markets currently price the UK as if it had a higher credit rating than it actually does.

Top 7.7% of earners now paying more than half all income tax and USC, report finds

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Top 7.7% of earners now paying more than half all income tax and USC, report finds

The top 7.7 per cent of earners in Ireland accounted for more than 54 per cent of the income tax paid to the State in 2021, according to a new report by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO).

Larnaca port development will proceed as planned, says President

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Larnaca port development will proceed as planned, says President

President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that the development of the Larnaca port and marina will proceed as planned, despite setbacks. A cabinet meeting will be held to discuss the issue further, with the aim of finding a capable company to handle the development. The President emphasized the importance of capable companies managing critical projects like the Larnaca port.

Invest Cyprus showcases Cyprus as leading technological centre in Paris

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Invest Cyprus showcases Cyprus as leading technological centre in Paris

Invest Cyprus participated in the Viva Technology event in Paris from May 22 to 25 to showcase Cyprus as a technology and business center.

Pakistan temperatures cross 52 C in heatwave

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Pakistan temperatures cross 52 C in heatwave

Temperatures in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh rose above 52 degrees Celsius, the highest reading of the summer and close to the country’s record high.

Dutch parties to propose former intelligence chief as new prime minister

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Dutch parties to propose former intelligence chief as new prime minister

Dick Schoof, the former Dutch intelligence chief, has been proposed as the prime minister of the Netherlands’ incoming right-wing government led by Geert Wilders’ nationalist PVV. The four parties forming the new government have announced a press conference with Schoof, who currently serves as a senior official at the Dutch Ministry of Justice. The new government aims for stricter migration policies and exceptions to EU asylum and environmental rules.

Larnaca port workers anxious after marina project collapse

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Larnaca port workers anxious after marina project collapse

The government terminated its contract with Kition Ocean Holdings, causing concern among employees about their future. Trade unions met with the Minister of Labour to ensure workers’ continued employment would be prioritized. The government plans to follow labor laws in handling the situation. The Municipality of Larnaca expressed solidarity with the employees, while PEO opposes the privatization of Larnaca Port and demands protection for Kition workers. The General Secretary of OMEPEGIE-SEK stated that the Minister of Labour assured them that the workers would be employed under a new regime to prevent victimization.

Amalthea aid initiative to determine timing of state recovery of Larnaca port

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Amalthea aid initiative to determine timing of state recovery of Larnaca port

The Cyprus Port Authority has regained control of Larnaca Port after terminating the concession agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings. The transition is going smoothly, with collaboration between CPA and Kition to ensure uninterrupted service provision. Pending issues include the handling of the ‘Amalthea’ aid initiative, with an American ship being loaded and set to depart soon. CPA has started procuring services from private companies and reinforcing existing staff with personnel from other locations. The government’s decision to terminate the concession was due to delays and disagreements, bringing Larnaca Port back under state control.