PEO calls for wage increases amidst economic growth

PEO calls for wage increases amidst economic growth

The General Secretary of PEO emphasized that the organization’s priority is to seek increases in Collective Employment Agreements to improve real wages, particularly focusing on starting salaries. She criticized the government for not taxing windfall profits and called for deeper social policy measures in response to ongoing inflation and new green taxes. She proposed revisions to income criteria for allowances, extension of parental leave, creation of care infrastructure, expansion of all-day schools, multiplication of housing programs, increase in Minimum Guaranteed Income, and resolution of pension issues.

Opposition blasts agriculture minister over farmers, ’ compensation

Opposition blasts agriculture minister over farmers, ’ compensation

Opposition MPs criticized Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou for refusing to compensate farmers who used waste material other than compost as fertilizer. The minister cited a legal opinion from the attorney-general stating that compensation is only awarded to farmers who used compost with specific specifications. The MPs argued that the farmers were being “victimized” for purchasing off-specification compost from a company listed as an approved seller on the ministry website. The minister refused to break the law and insisted on following legal procedures.

National Council meeting shelved for , ‘when time is right’

National Council meeting shelved for , ‘when time is right’

The government has rebuffed calls to convene a National Council meeting amid secrecy surrounding the UNSG proposals that President Nikos Christodoulides has agreed to.

30,000 companies face fines for non-compliance

30,000 companies face fines for non-compliance

Almost 30,000 companies have yet to make updated disclosures about their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) and could face fines for non-compliance.

‘Those who care about Disy should be with us, not against us’

‘Those who care about Disy should be with us, not against us’

Fact: Disy leader Annita Demetriou emphasized the importance of unity within the party and stated that Disy is focused on setting out political positions and policy interventions.

Cyprus birth rate way too low, committee hears

Cyprus birth rate way too low, committee hears

Cyprus has a low birth rate of 1.4 children per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. In primary schools, 21% of children have two foreign parents, and in pre-schools, 25% of children have two foreign parents. Disy has proposed measures such as taxing families based on the number of members and providing support for families with three or more children.

Our View: There can be no consultation on civil service sick leave

Our View: There can be no consultation on civil service sick leave

The government of Cyprus is proposing new regulations to standardize sick leave in the public sector, reducing annual sick leave from 42 to 28 days and sick days without a doctor’s certificate from 8 to 6. Unions are opposing these changes and calling for broader consultations, which the government believes will prevent the regulations from being updated or standardized. The government argues that the abuses of sick leave entitlement are costly to the taxpayer and should be addressed through imposition of regulations rather than prolonged dialogue with unions.

Demetriou: Cyprus was better when Disy were in charge

Demetriou: Cyprus was better when Disy were in charge

– Cyprus “lived better days” when Disy were in charge
– Disy and New Democracy were born from the ashes of national difficulties
– Both parties stake their principles on healthy patriotism and faith in the EU and western civilization
– A strong Greece means a strong Cyprus
– Greek PM Mitsotakis opposes a two-state solution for Cyprus
– We are at a critical turning point in history
– European leaders must design a vision for the future while respecting the particularities of each state and people

Nicosia mayoral race heats up

Nicosia mayoral race heats up

A new challenger, Panagiotis Mentzis, backed by the Ecologists Movement, has entered the race for Mayor of Nicosia, injecting fresh energy into the campaign. Meanwhile, established candidates Nikos Tornaritis and Charalambos Prountzos are intensifying their efforts. Tornaritis, supported by centre-right parties, will present his candidacy on April 20. Prountzos, an independent candidate backed by AKEL and EDEK, has outlined his vision for Nicosia, focusing on sustainability and green initiatives. Prountzos’ plan includes ambitious targets for energy autonomy and sustainable urban mobility, as well as the creation of a digital platform called the “NicosiaApp.”

Larnaca port and marina €1.2 billion project faces growing uncertainty

Larnaca port and marina €1.2 billion project faces growing uncertainty

The future of the €1.2 billion investment in the port and marina of Larnaca is uncertain, causing concerns among stakeholders. Larnaca Mayor and Chamber of Commerce president express disapproval over the lack of transparency in the agreement between the government and Kition Ocean Holdings. Larnaca MPs are pressuring for more information and updates on the project, highlighting the need for transparency and the importance of keeping stakeholders informed.