What can be done about growing mistrust of politicians?
Fact: In a 2021 survey, only 24.5% of respondents across OECD countries said they trust political parties.
assessments
Positive outlook for Cyprus economy, according to rating agency
Capital Intelligence Ratings has revised its long-term foreign currency rating outlook for the Republic of Cyprus from stable to positive. The government’s debt has been reduced due to consistent primary fiscal surpluses and proactive debt management.
Laudable progress in direct taxes but scope for betterment remains
The Indian middle class may be disappointed with the Narendra Modi-led government’s lack of adjustments to tax rates and slabs. Personal tax collections have increased significantly, with the share of personal tax in overall collections rising from 38% to 52% in the last decade. Efforts have been made to improve tax compliance through technology and widening the tax base. Corporate tax collections have not grown as much as personal taxes, indicating room for improvement in the tax system.
Economic conditions not static, DISY MP warns
The spokesperson for DISY, Onoufrios Koullas, emphasized the importance of keeping the middle class and small and medium-sized enterprises on track to create jobs and future revenue for the state. He highlighted the need for a holistic approach to address rising costs of living and economic conditions that are constantly changing. Koullas also criticized the government for relying on one-off measures and proposed targeted tax measures for middle-income families. DISY suggested investing the additional revenue from a fuel tax into the economy.
Scotland, ’s parliament considers assisted dying as poll shows support
Scotland’s parliament is considering legislation that would allow people with a terminal illness to take their own lives, joining countries like Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, Austria, and Ecuador in allowing assisted dying. Individuals would need to self-administer the substance that will end their life if the legislation is passed.
Economic sentiment declines for second consecutive month
The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) in Cyprus decreased by 1.2 units in March 2024, falling to 102.1 units due to a deterioration in the business climate across all sectors.
Emirates holding Cyprus open day to recruit cabin crew
Emirates is holding a Cabin Crew recruitment open day on March 28 at 9am in Dubai.
Monastery implicated in environmental scandal
The Osiou Avakoum monastery was implicated in an environmental scandal for being built on land protected under the Natura 2000 environmental policy. Legal action has been taken against the monastery, the church committee, and Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou for unauthorized constructions on the site. Investigations revealed illegal constructions and a lack of final approvals for various buildings. The monastery, constructed in 2020, is also under police investigation for claims of financial extortion.
UN Envoy continues assessment over potential new negotiations
Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar, the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, is in Cyprus to gather assessments on the failure of the talks in Crans Montana and to understand the positions of various political forces regarding the future of negotiations in Cyprus. During her meetings with leaders from both sides of the divide and party leaders, Holguín has emphasized not rushing into negotiations without sufficient momentum and has sought to understand each side’s desires and perceived responsibilities of the other side. She has indicated a preference for focusing on the present rather than past failures. Various political leaders have expressed their views to Holguín, ranging from skepticism about the potential for confidence-building measures to contribute positively, to differing perspectives on the future of negotiations and the possibility of a federation. The National Unity Party in the occupied territories has stated that the chapter of federation is closed, while the Republican Turkish Party supports efforts to create common ground for resuming official negotiations and seeks a comprehensive solution based on political equality.