The political editor of Phileleftheros, Frixos Dalitis, offers insight into the pivotal factors that will shape the outcome of the upcoming Sunday’s European Parliament elections. Four unpredictable elements, each with its unique potential to influence the final election result, are at play in this Sunday’s dual electoral contest. Party Rallying: The ability of traditional parties … Read more
Cyprus is facing a severe water shortage with reservoir levels at a record low. The lack of rainfall has left many dams below average capacity, with the largest dam, Kouris, holding only 41.9 million cubic meters of water compared to 61 million last year. Overall, national water storage is at just 42.1% of capacity, down from 65.6% last year. The situation is expected to worsen as temperatures rise in the approaching summer months.
The Housing Finance Corporation has lost its social character due to understaffing, leading to delays in loan processing that frustrate potential borrowers. This issue was highlighted in a recent report, emphasizing the urgent need to address housing as a social issue. AKEL and SEK are calling for the government to strengthen the HFC and implement measures to help middle and lower-income households acquire housing. The state must provide immediate solutions to address the critical housing problem faced by citizens, especially the youth.
Google has launched News Showcase in Cyprus, collaborating with publishers like Cyprus Mail, Dias Group, Digital Tree, MC Media, Phileleftheros Media Group, Politis, and SPP Media. The product allows publishers to create panels that engage readers and direct them to full articles on their websites. Google has signed News Showcase deals with over 2,700 publications globally and offers journalists training on fighting misinformation online.
There are only 385 families still living in the occupied villages of Kormakiti, Karpasia, Agia Triada, and Rizokarpaso, serving as pillars of Hellenism and the Maronite community. The Ministry of Social Welfare has revised the Resettlement Plan to provide financial support and incentives for families to return. The plan includes flexible conditions and offers facilitations such as allowing non-consecutive overnight stays and extending caregiving allowances. Interested parties must have permanent residence in the occupied villages and not be recipients of public assistance. The Ministry of Social Welfare manages and implements the plan, providing a monthly allowance to beneficiaries who meet the requirements and continue to reside permanently in their occupied village.
Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.
Germany and Europe are preparing for two significant events: the European Parliament elections and the UEFA EURO 2024 football tournament in Germany. The German Ambassador to Cyprus expressed concern about the rise of right-wing parties in the elections and emphasized Germany’s support for a solution to the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions. Germany aims to host EURO 2024 as a symbol of cohesion in Europe, promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Germany also advocates for a strong and united EU, despite facing challenges like Putin’s war in Ukraine. The 2004 enlargement of the EU serves as a lesson on the importance of unity and speaking with one voice in foreign policy. Germany’s proposals for EU decision-making reform aim to ensure the Union remains capable of action. Germany is committed to supporting Cyprus in finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue, emphasizing the importance of confidence-building between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities.
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.
Workers hired by Kition Ocean Holdings do not need to be concerned about the future of their employment as the government is committed to keeping the project going. The government terminated its agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings due to their failure to pay the financial guarantee. The port authority has the capability to take on the project. Workers who were fired by Kition Ocean Holdings will transition their employment to the Larnaca and Famagusta District Development Agency.
The Cypriot Government and Chinese state-owned company CPP are working towards a velvet divorce, focusing on resolving the remaining works for the terminal at Vasilikos. The Chinese side has made financial demands for the delivery of the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) to its owner, ETYFA, which could amount to tens of millions of euros in addition to the funds already spent. Intensive consultations are expected to find a compromise exclusively for the FSRU, with legal advisors seeking a settlement based on the arbitrator’s decision. Once a settlement is reached for the FSRU, an agreement for the dissolution of cooperation regarding projects in Vasilikos is expected. Financial differences will be resolved through arbitration, with ETYFA seeking another contractor to complete the jetty and other projects on land.