There’s a growing divergence between EU targets and national plans, and electrification is not happening quickly. Are voters turning their backs on the EU’s 2030 climate objectives? Year-to-date natural gas consumption is 3.1% down, to 195.6 bcm from 201.9 bcm in 2023. Milder weather has reduced household consumption. In general, the trend is downwards. Europe … Read more
The upcoming elections will halt various developments, including those related to labour issues. Despite important pending matters such as collective agreements renewal and measures against undeclared labour, decisions will be delayed until after the elections. However, a preview of upcoming developments will be presented at the ILO Assembly in Geneva, attended by trade union heads, employer organizations, and the Minister of Labour.
The Election Service and political parties are working to prepare for the upcoming elections on June 9. The Election Service has launched the “Where I Vote” platform to help voters find their polling station and ballot papers. Parties are concerned about voter turnout and are addressing people’s questions. Voters will receive up to six different colored ballots for various positions, and must present proper identification to vote. Voters must not mix candidates from different combinations on the ballot.
– The House plenary passed laws related to regulations for local government bodies and operating permits for hotels before adjourning for the upcoming June elections.
– MPs approved a law extending the grace period for hotels lacking a full operating permit until the end of 2024, with a requirement to submit ‘as-built’ plans in the meantime.
– The transitional period for hotels to secure an operating permit has been extended by another six months.
A total of 7,280 candidates are contesting 3,227 public offices in the upcoming June elections in Cyprus.
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.
The Chief Returning Officer has released the latest registration figures for the upcoming elections, revealing that a total of 706,534 individuals are eligible to vote. The permanent electoral roll in Cyprus has 568,608 Cypriot electors, including 837 Turkish Cypriots. Nicosia has the highest number of Cypriot electors with 220,593, followed by Limassol with 159,442. Limassol and Larnaca have the highest number of registered Turkish Cypriot voters. Additionally, there are special electoral rolls for European citizens, with the highest concentration in Paphos. 103,269 Turkish Cypriots holding Cypriot identity cards can vote in the EU elections. Polling stations for European Parliament elections are set up in cities across Greece, the UK, and Belgium.
Fact: There will be as many as 20,000 candidates vying for the 3,500 public offices in the upcoming local and European elections.
The last day to apply to vote for the June elections in Cyprus is Tuesday, with the interior ministry announcing that people can register to vote. Applications will not be accepted after midnight on April 2. People aged 18-25 can apply to vote online. Elections for EU parliamentarians and local government officials will be held on June 9 in Cyprus.