Stricter oversight on cross-border credit services

Stricter oversight on cross-border credit services

The processes for licensing and supervision of credit managers are becoming stricter, with new legislation being introduced to harmonize national law with European directives. Credit managers must be licensed by their member state of origin before starting their activities, meeting specific conditions such as robust governance and protection rules for borrowers. Buyers will not be licensed, except for those managing their own portfolios. Credit buyers will be supervised by the Central Bank and subject to penalties for any violations. Companies in the debt acquisition sector will be automatically recognized as licensed credit managers. The bills also ensure consumer protection, including timely information on credit agreement changes and the right to raise defenses against loan buyers.

Data Protection Commissioner clarifies CCTV use in kindergartens

Data Protection Commissioner clarifies CCTV use in kindergartens

The office of the Data Protection Commissioner received inquiries and complaints about the legality of installing CCTV systems in private kindergartens. Kindergarten administrations are allowed to operate CCTV systems at entrances, exits, and adjacent private parking areas, but not in indoor spaces, classrooms, common areas, toilets, or playgrounds. Recording sound at kindergartens is also not allowed under any circumstances.

Why Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez is taking a break from public duties

Why Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez is taking a break from public duties

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has decided to suspend his public duties until next week to consider whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife, Begona Gomez. The court is investigating allegations of influence peddling and business corruption against Gomez, who is accused of using her influence to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course. Sanchez has defended his wife, claiming she has done nothing illegal and is being attacked to weaken him politically and personally. The outcome of this investigation could lead to Sanchez remaining as prime minister, resigning, or facing a confidence vote. In Spain, corruption cases involving politicians and their associates are not uncommon, with high-profile scandals resulting in convictions.

Limassol coastal path , ‘shameful’

Limassol coastal path , ‘shameful’

Improvements to the coastal path in Limassol are a government priority, but no one from the interior ministry attended a discussion on the matter. The path has been damaged by adverse weather, with serious damages recorded in several spots. The estimated cost of repairs is €300,000, and complaints from tourists are continuous.

Veterinary services must investigate dog importation, says ombudswoman

Veterinary services must investigate dog importation, says ombudswoman

Ombudswoman Maria Stylianou-Lottides criticized the veterinary services for failing to address complaints about uncontrolled dog importation into Cyprus.

Widespread impunity in the north , – US human rights report

Widespread impunity in the north , – US human rights report

The 2023 US country report on human rights in Cyprus raised serious concerns over life-threatening conditions in prison in the north.

Union head claims police chief , ‘silenced him’

Union head claims police chief , ‘silenced him’

Fact: Head of the police branch of Isotita trade union Nikos Loizides received a threatening letter from police chief Stelios Papatheodorou for disclosing internal police matters and using offensive language in televised interviews.

Independent investigators to probe man’s death during Limassol migrant raid

Independent investigators to probe man’s death during Limassol migrant raid

Two criminal investigators will be appointed by the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police to look into the death of Anisur Rahman, who fell from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol. The Attorney General has approved this request, and the investigators will focus on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, including the living conditions in the apartment and the reasons for the police search without a warrant.

Earlier teaching of sex ed , ‘could have saved many children’

Earlier teaching of sex ed , ‘could have saved many children’

Fact: Over 1,000 children in Cyprus are estimated to be victims of sexual abuse every year.