Over 7,000 candidates vie for 3,200 offices in June elections
A total of 7,280 candidates are contesting 3,227 public offices in the upcoming June elections in Cyprus.
Mayor
Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah
Eli Harel, a former Israeli soldier, is prepared to rejoin the army to fight Hezbollah if a full-blown war breaks out. Hezbollah has been engaging in escalating cross-border strikes with Israel, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. Thousands of residents on both sides of the border have been displaced, increasing calls for military action against Hezbollah. The Israeli military is preparing for a potential war with Hezbollah, which could result in massive destruction in both countries.
Paphos Cultural Foundation delayed again
The hot potato regarding the Paphos Cultural Foundation has been delayed for three years and is being transferred to the new, more populous Paphos Municipal Council that will emerge from the June elections. The current Municipal Council’s lack of progress on the matter is final, attributed to efforts to divide positions rather than appointing culture-minded individuals. The new council is hoped to have a proper perspective to implement the plan, which aimed to resume cultural activities from where “Paphos 2017” left off. However, recent allegations by the Cultural Movement ex-Artis accuse the Municipality of Paphos of irresponsibility, claiming that artworks placed in the city as part of the Cultural Capital initiative are missing and at risk of being destroyed. Specifically, three sculptures, including works by Rinos Stefani and Herman Pitts, are missing, and the movement calls on the Municipality to locate and reposition them.
Our View: Political games have turned local elections into farce
– Candidacies were submitted for the most complex elections ever held in Cyprus, where people would be voting for Members of European Parliament and an unprecedented number of local government officials.
– There are 63 candidates for the six seats in the European Parliament and 3,232 candidates for the local authority elections, including school boards.
– The vote for local government includes voting for municipal councillors, a deputy mayor, a mayor, and a district governor.
– The introduction of an elected district governor was not in the government reform plans but was added by a party without clear justification.
– The reform of local government was recommended in 2013 due to the costly, inefficient, and poor service provided by the existing system.
– The creation of new municipalities was influenced by political parties’ interests in creating positions for their members rather than streamlining services.
– The reform turned into a farce due to horse-trading by parties, resulting in a costly system that may not address the waste of public money.
– The authorities of the district governor and mayors remain to be seen how they will be exercised.
Hundreds of Turkish Cypriots protest against , ‘govt’
Fact: Hundreds of Turkish Cypriots took to the streets to protest against the north’s ‘government’.
Larnaca mayor criticizes Kition over new marina fees
Kition Ocean Marina plans to introduce new fees for coastal boat operators at Larnaca Marina, angering Mayor Andreas Vyras. The mayor expressed disappointment, stating that no fee increases should be implemented, especially as major projects are uncertain. The contracting company has notified boat operators of a €100 monthly rent for kiosks, with a deadline to settle debts by April 30 or risk kiosk removal. The mayor plans to meet with the Boat Operators Association and propose an alternative space for them provided by the Municipality.
Trial over hotel collapse which killed 35 Cypriots resumes
The trial of 11 people responsible for the deaths of 24 Cypriot children and 11 teachers and coaches in a hotel collapse in Turkey is set to resume on Friday. If found guilty, each defendant could face a maximum of 22 and a half years in prison.
Kyrenia district elections , ‘a symbol of struggle’
Fact: Candidacies are being submitted for local elections for the Kyrenia district, with the elections set to take place on June 9.
Parisinou not kicked out of Disy despite Elam MEP nomination
Niovi Parisinou has not been expelled from Disy despite nominating Elam’s Geadis Geadi for the European Parliament elections.
Local elections: , Paphos prepares for fundamental changes (Updated)
Fact: Candidacies are being submitted for local elections in the Paphos district, with the elections set to take place on June 9.