government

Concerns mount over Paphos road project setbacks

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Concerns mount over Paphos road project setbacks

The Vice President of DIKO and Paphos MP discussed problems and delays in the first phase of the new Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road with the Minister of Transport. The Minister assured that discussions would be initiated with the project’s consortium to overcome issues and ensure smooth progress. The importance of resolving blockages in the project was emphasized to prevent dissatisfaction within the Paphos community and negative impacts on significant projects facing delays. The Minister is expected to address the Paphos-Polis road issue and other pending matters during his visit to Paphos.

Doctors concerned over Okypy finances

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Doctors concerned over Okypy finances

– State doctors’ union Pasyki expressed concerns about the finances of state health services organisation Okypy.
– They questioned whether one year is enough for Okypy to balance its finances and become financially independent.
– They raised concerns about the fate of public hospitals if government plans to balance Okypy’s finances do not work.
– Parliament voted to extend provisions to cover Okypy’s budget deficits until May 31, 2025.
– The government decided to keep covering Okypy’s deficits to secure the “public interest” as it is a core provider within Gesy.

Increasing tolerance of corruption in the north

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Increasing tolerance of corruption in the north

Fact: Turkish Cypriots held a protest against corruption, demanding accountability for those responsible for corruption in the northern part of Cyprus.

Biden Implies Families Will Pay More Taxes if He’s Re-Elected

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Biden Implies Families Will Pay More Taxes if He’s Re-Elected

President Joe Biden stated that if he is reelected, he will allow former President Donald Trump’s comprehensive tax cuts to expire without renewing them.

A look into the diverse tax reforms being implemented across Africa

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A look into the diverse tax reforms being implemented across Africa

Countries in Africa have implemented various tax policy measures in the last 3 years, including new taxes on different sectors, increased taxes on certain goods and services, and changes to tax exemptions.

Cyprus government and banks piling-up cash

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Cyprus government and banks piling-up cash

By end-February 2024, the government had accumulated cash deposits of over €3.5 billion at the Central Bank and €2.1 billion at commercial banks.

More than ten organised crime groups operating in Cyprus, Interpol says, pointing to rising period of criminality

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More than ten organised crime groups operating in Cyprus, Interpol says, pointing to rising period of criminality

A global investigation over the past four years points to Cyprus as a hub for criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, smuggling tobacco products, extortion, illegal betting, and fixing football matches. The report, based on Interpol data, highlights a rise in extreme criminality in Cyprus, with recent assassinations, arson attacks, bombings, and underworld killings. Criminal organizations in Cyprus are mostly foreign and involved in crimes against property, money laundering, drug trafficking, and bribing public officials. In 2024, there were 55 arsons and bomb attacks reported in 101 days.

Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

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Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

Some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel’s assurances about using U.S.-supplied weapons in line with international humanitarian law credible or reliable. The State Department is divided on this issue, with some expressing concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The department must report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances. Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has raised questions about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Biden has the option to suspend or put conditions on U.S. weapons transfers to Israel if needed.

France’s foreign minister looks to prevent Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalation in Lebanon visit

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France’s foreign minister is visiting Lebanon to prevent further escalation and potential war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. France has proposed Hezbollah pull back 10 km from the Israeli border and Israel halt strikes in southern Lebanon. The proposal has not moved forward, but France wants to keep momentum in talks. Hezbollah will not discuss until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, while Israel wants calm on its northern border. Lebanon believes the French initiative could bring peace and security to the region.