Tenders for controversial fish farms to go ahead

Tenders for controversial fish farms to go ahead

Over the objections of the auditor-general and environmental groups, it was reported on Monday that the government is going ahead with the tenders’ process for the construction of fish farms in the area of Pentakomo.The €34 million project is being run by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research. Both the auditor-general as well as … Read more

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Heatwave produced a whole lot of media hot air

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Heatwave produced a whole lot of media hot air

THE BIGGEST news story over last few days has been that it was very hot. As if anyone in Kyproulla had not felt the scorching heat and had to be informed about it by continuous reports and updates from the media.OK, it was the highest ever temperature recorded in early June, but what more is … Read more

Muslim schools caught up in France, ’s fight against Islamism

Sihame Denguir enrolled her teenage son and daughter in France’s largest Muslim private school, Averroes, in Lille, which lost government funding due to not complying with secular principles.

No , ‘velvet divorce’ over Vasiliko LNG terminal

No , ‘velvet divorce’ over Vasiliko LNG terminal

There are ongoing efforts to find a solution for the Vasiliko liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project, with no discussions of a “velvet divorce” with Chinese state-owned company CPP.

Delicate handling must come to an end

Delicate handling must come to an end

The construction of the liquefied natural gas terminal at Vassiliko in Cyprus has been plagued with delays and cost increases, with the project not even halfway completed. The project was awarded to a consortium of Chinese, Greek, and Norwegian interests, with the hope of reducing electricity costs for citizens. However, additional costs have been incurred, such as €25 million due to steel price increases during the pandemic. The Audit Office report highlighted serious political responsibilities for the management of the project by the government. The consortium has filed a case demanding an additional €200 million due to delays. The situation is similar with the Larnaca Port and Marina project, where the company has been collecting revenues without starting the agreed-upon works. Overall, these projects have put the Cypriot citizens at risk of bearing additional costs without seeing the completion of the projects.

NGO calls for greater Gesy oversight

NGO calls for greater Gesy oversight

The Cyprus Integrity Forum (CIF) called for systematic checks of Gesy to avoid corruption and ensure full transparency in the health system.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.

Our View: Akel deputy, ’s probe is misguided and bizzare

Our View: Akel deputy, ’s probe is misguided and bizzare

Akel deputy Christos Christofides has written to the auditor-general asking him to examine the data of the Independent Social Support Agency, which is under the authority of the president’s wife, Philippa Karsera. The agency had been set up in 2013 to provide financial support to university students who were unable to complete their studies due to lack of funds.

Napa mayor faces charges over alleged misuse of European grant

Napa mayor faces charges over alleged misuse of European grant

Fact: Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannettou has been accused of unlawfully securing a €765,000 European grant for a hotel renovation project in which he held a stake.

Major developments underway in Cyprus

Major developments underway in Cyprus

Cyprus is experiencing a significant development boom with billions of euros being invested in various projects, including infrastructure improvements, new marinas, hotels, medical centers, university buildings, golf courses, schools, and residential properties. These projects are expected to bring multiple benefits to the country, transforming its landscape and contributing to economic growth. Major investments include golf resorts like Limassol Hills and Eagle Pine, as well as marinas such as Larnaca Marina and the upcoming Paralimni Marina. Education-related developments are also underway, and road infrastructure projects across the island are crucial for improving residents’ quality of life.