government

Local govt reform , ‘on the right track’

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Local govt reform , ‘on the right track’

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that local government reform in Cyprus is “on the right track.” He believes that most teething problems will be resolved by the end of June. Progress is going well regarding staffing and finding buildings for various authorities. There may be an adjustment period at the beginning of the transition. Complaints will be made to the police if any objectionable issues arise regarding voter registration. More than 3,500 objections have been submitted for June’s elections, with some voters registering themselves at unusual addresses.

Calls for , ‘urgent’ action on migration

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Calls for , ‘urgent’ action on migration

The House interior committee called on the government to urgently and effectively manage the migration issue, focusing on upgrading infrastructure for reception centers and accommodation for asylum seekers, improving the procedures for examining asylum applications, and providing access to legal representation for unaccompanied minors. The government should also adopt procedures to ensure humane living conditions in reception centers and suppress incidences of crime in and around these centers.

Fuel prices rise after ending fuel tax reduction

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Fuel prices rise after ending fuel tax reduction

The average price of fuel in Cyprus has increased by 4.5 cents per litre for petrol, 1.3 cents per litre for diesel, and 0.4 cents per litre for heating oil following the termination of the government’s reduced tax measure. Gasoline prices had already increased by 8.3 cents per litre before the tax measure was lifted.

US Treasury cash balance jumps most in two years as tax payments rise

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US Treasury cash balance jumps most in two years as tax payments rise

The US Treasury’s cash balance surged by 2 billion to 7 billion on Monday, the highest since May 2022. Treasury collected roughly .5 billion in corporate taxes, .6 billion in non-withheld individual electronic payments, and .66 billion in non-withheld individual “other” payments. Treasury has collected approximately 0 billion in tax-related income this month.

Capital gains tax upped for wealthiest Canadians

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Capital gains tax upped for wealthiest Canadians

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered a federal budget that keeps the deficit capped at billion, thanks to higher-than-expected government revenues and new taxes that largely offset new spending. The budget pledges billion in new spending focused on economic justice for younger generations. The government plans to pay for most of its new spending initiatives with higher taxes on the wealthiest Canadians and businesses, including increasing the capital gains inclusion rate. The deficit, deficit-to-GDP ratio, and debt-to-GDP ratio are projected to fall every year until 2028-29. The federal budget also includes initiatives aimed at boosting the economy’s productivity, such as expanding artificial intelligence capacity and research support.

Recruitment of 259 new firefighters in final stage

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Recruitment of 259 new firefighters in final stage

The completion of the recruitment of 259 new firefighters to be added to the existing strength of the Fire Service is in its final stages. The Minister of Justice and Public Order highlighted the efforts being made to strengthen the Fire Service personnel and enhance the state response system. The challenges facing the Fire Service are increasing due to a changing environment, technological advancements, and an increase in disasters. The government is prioritizing the continuous strengthening and upgrading of the Fire Service to improve response rates and citizens’ sense of security. The Minister emphasized the importance of timely preparation and collaboration to prevent major wildfires, urging firefighters to operate at the highest level of readiness.

Government satisfied with EU summit outcomes

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Government satisfied with EU summit outcomes

The government of Cyprus has achieved its goal of linking EU-Turkish relations with the Cyprus issue, as stated by government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. The Republic of Cyprus expects Turkey to act constructively on the Cyprus issue to progress in EU-Turkish relations. The European Union emphasizes the importance of progress on Cyprus. The strategic discussion on EU-Turkish relations has been referred to COREPER, allowing all member states to have a say. President Christodoulides and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Lebanon on May 2nd to discuss an additional economic support package for the country, which is currently under development.

Health minister announces funding plan for hospital upgrades

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Health minister announces funding plan for hospital upgrades

The disbursement of state grants to hospitals in Cyprus, both public and private, will begin in June for those undergoing or starting the accreditation process. The Government has approved a Grant Provision Plan for Private and Public Hospitals focused on Accreditation, aiming to improve health services through the implementation of standards. The plan, costing €2.5 million and covered by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, will benefit 51 hospitals, with grants distribution starting in June. Accreditation is also a key quality criterion for determining compensation in the General Health System.

Health ministry proposes patient advocate institution

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Health ministry proposes patient advocate institution

The Ministry of Health has submitted a draft law for legal scrutiny to establish the Patient Advocate institution in Cyprus. The Health Minister mentioned that various draft laws concerning rehabilitation centers, university hospitals, paramedics, palliative care services, and more are also in the works and will be submitted to Parliament within 2024.

Greek economy surges after decade of pain

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Greek economy surges after decade of pain

Fact: The Greek economy is forecast to grow nearly 3 per cent this year, approaching its pre-crisis size of 2009 and far outpacing the eurozone average of 0.8 per cent.