Rising prices, a controversy over a state-owned coastal plot in Paralimni, the pre-election campaign and accusations of political “toxicity”, the pensions debate, an incident involving Metropolitan Tychikos and a priest in Paphos, and an agreement on the presence of French forces in Cyprus are among the issues highlighted on today’s front pages.
Alithia, under the main headline “Wave of Price Increases Hits Consumers”, reports that an electricity “shock” is expected following a statement by the Chairman of the Board of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus indicating that electricity bills may increase by 5–7% in May. In another report, the newspaper writes about a confrontation between livestock farmers and the government, with farmers determined to return with stronger protests and expected to decide tonight on their next steps. Elsewhere it reports on an incident between Metropolitan Tychikos and a priest in a church in Paphos, noting that both the bishop and the priest went to the police.
Politis, under the headline “Suspicious Shadows”, reports that on a state-owned coastal plot leased to the Municipality of Paralimni for the creation of a parking area, a massage business has been operating since 2022 without any licence. In another report, the newspaper highlights an interview with the Tax Commissioner Sotiris Markides, who spoke about two changes expected in the 2025 tax return. The paper also reports that a priest at the Church of Apostle Paul in Paphos filed a complaint alleging that he was attacked by Metropolitan Tychikos during a church service.
Phileleftheros, under the main headline “Politics of Toxicity”, writes that insinuations, hints and the creation of a hostile climate against individuals and political leaderships, often invoking corruption allegations, have become a key feature of the pre-election campaign ahead of the opening of the ballot boxes. Elsewhere the newspaper reports on the aftermath of the informal European Council held in Cyprus, noting that for Cyprus the capitalisation of the outcomes will come through implementation. It also refers to a shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington involving a 31-year-old man on Saturday.
Haravgi, under the headline “Adequate And Dignified Pensions For All”, writes that PEO Secretary-General Sotiroula Charalambous stressed that the upcoming pension reform must start from the needs of workers and pensioners, aiming to secure adequate and dignified pensions for everyone. In another report, the newspaper writes that the President announced an agreement for the presence of French forces in Cyprus within June, as part of strengthening cooperation with France, although details about facilities and practical arrangements remain unclear. Elsewhere it reports that a combination of dust and storms is expected in the coming days.