government

Our View: Political games have turned local elections into farce

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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.

Paphos village, ’s green award ‘an honour’

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Paphos village, ’s green award ‘an honour’

Fact: Kissonerga village in Paphos was named the “Green capital of Cyprus” and won awards for its environmental initiatives, including the construction of a coastal path at a low cost.

AKEL proposes taxing bank profits for public relief

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AKEL proposes taxing bank profits for public relief

AKEL has submitted a bill proposal to tax unexpected bank profits in order to help those struggling with high loan installments due to interest rate hikes. The proposal includes a 5% special levy on net interest income for 2023 and 2024, with expected revenues of €50 million per year going towards interest subsidies for housing loans. AKEL believes the government is not adequately addressing the issue and aims to provide real relief to households and small businesses.

For some Columbia students, protest encampment is living history lesson

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For some Columbia students, protest encampment is living history lesson

Students at Columbia University set up a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on campus, inspired by a course called “Columbia 1968” about past protests. The encampment led to arrests and suspensions by the school administration, but protesters continue to demand divestment from companies supporting Israel. The protests have drawn support from various groups and have sparked debates and activities on campus. Despite criticism, students remain committed to their cause.

‘Cyprus is a reliable business centre’

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‘Cyprus is a reliable business centre’

– Cyprus is considered a reliable business center by Commerce Minister George Papanastasiou.
– The Eastern Mediterranean region can play a role in ensuring Europe’s energy security.
– The Great Sea Interconnector project aims to connect the electricity systems of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel to aid Europe in becoming independent of Russian gas.
– Greek Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis warned the Cypriot government about missing deadlines for the interconnector project.
– The Cypriot government is still in the phase of discussing conditions and waiting for Greece’s transmission system operator Admie to submit a cost-benefit analysis of the project.

HB eyes insurance crown with CNP deal

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HB eyes insurance crown with CNP deal

Fact: Hellenic Bank’s takeover of CNP’s local operations in Cyprus is worth €182 million and will boost its market share to 30% in the life insurance sector and 23% in the general insurance sector.

INSIGHT-As solar capacity grows, some of America’s most productive farmland is at risk

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INSIGHT-As solar capacity grows, some of America’s most productive farmland is at risk

Dave Duttlinger leased 445 acres of his Indiana farm to Dunns Bridge Solar LLC for a solar development project, despite concerns about damage to his land. The solar panels were installed on some of the most productive cropland classified by the USDA, impacting future crop potential. Solar energy firms argue that the industry’s use of farmland is minimal compared to the need for renewable energy to combat climate change. Indiana farmer Norm Welker found leasing his land for a solar project more profitable than growing corn due to low prices.

Socialist supporters call on Spanish prime minister to stay

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Socialist supporters call on Spanish prime minister to stay

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez considered resigning after a court launched a business corruption probe into his wife’s private dealings. However, thousands of Socialist Party supporters gathered in Madrid to urge him to stay, denying the allegations against his wife and stating he will announce his decision on Monday. Opposition parties condemned Sanchez’s move, while Madrid’s prosecuting authority appealed the court’s decision to investigate the complaint against his wife.

Cypriots more pessimistic, but trust EU and Euro

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Cypriots more pessimistic, but trust EU and Euro

Cypriots are pessimistic about the future, the economy, and geopolitical crises, but maintain trust in European institutions and the single currency. The two traditional political parties, DISY and AKEL, are expected to dominate the upcoming elections for members of the European Parliament, mayors, and councillors. DISY is in the lead for the election of the six MEPs with 20%, followed by AKEL with 19%.

Last Year, $1,748 of Your Taxes Went to Corporate Pentagon Contractors

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Last Year, $1,748 of Your Taxes Went to Corporate Pentagon Contractors

The Institute for Policy Studies releases a tax receipt each year to show where taxpayers’ money goes. In 2023, the average taxpayer spent ,974 on the Pentagon, with 5 going to troops’ salaries and ,748 going to corporate Pentagon contractors. The Pentagon budget is set to increase by billion in 2024, with half going to for-profit contractors. This spending on military contracts could be redirected to programs like the Child Tax Credit and renewable energy, which have proven benefits for society.