The Cabinet’s decision to appoint a team rather than a single independent criminal investigator to examine the “Mafia State” case, the IMF’s warnings about Cyprus’ rising expenditure after 2030, yesterday’s press conference by the Cyprus Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) and the latest drug-related statistics, the holding of the Gaza Peace Council meeting in Cyprus on 30 June–1 July, and yesterday’s industrial action and strike by hourly paid public sector employees are among the issues highlighted on the front pages of today’s newspapers.
The newspaper Alithia, under the headline “‘Mafia State’ Case Passed to Investigators”, reports that the Cabinet has decided to appoint a team rather than a single independent criminal investigator to examine the “Mafia State” case. The possibility of involving individuals from abroad remains open, while the police have stated that they cannot conduct a parallel investigation and are awaiting instructions. The paper also reports that the infant who died in Lakatamia two years ago remains unburied, as instructions for the burial must first be issued by the coroner. It also covers yesterday’s 24-hour strike by hourly paid employees and the protest demonstration in Nicosia, featuring statements by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis and Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on the matter.
Politis, in its lead story under the headline “Structural Weaknesses Cast a Shadow Over the Economy”, writes that the International Monetary Fund has confirmed the strong performance of the Cypriot economy but is calling for measures to be taken now to address future funding needs expected to arise between 2030 and 2050. Elsewhere, the newspaper highlights yesterday’s strike and mobilisation by hourly paid public sector workers over reduced earnings. It also refers to former President Nicos Anastasiades’ decision to temporarily refrain from participating in DISY’s collective party bodies due to the investigations into the “Mafia State” case.
Phileleftheros leads with the headline “Alarm Over New Narcotic Substances”, focusing on yesterday’s YKAN press conference presenting the agency’s report for the first half of 2026. Among other points, it was stated that highly dangerous drugs have reached Cyprus and that cocaine trafficking has increased, with drug seizures rising by more than 130%. The newspaper also reports that hourly paid public sector employees have given the Government until mid-July to respond to their request for negotiations on a pay increase. It further notes that suspended Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos denied all allegations relating to the rape case against him, while the Assize Court has scheduled the start of proceedings for 27 July.
Haravgi, under the headline “Institutional Evasion Instead of Accountability”, writes that Nicos Anastasiades failed to convince the public during his press conference on the findings of the Anti-Corruption Authority, choosing evasions rather than providing answers regarding the scandals in question. The paper also reports on support for Andri Hadjiandreou’s candidacy for the position of Deputy Mayor of Aglantzia from AKEL, ALMA, EDEK, the Ecologists’ Movement, DIPA and other organised groups and members of civil society. Elsewhere, it reports that the Republican-controlled United States Senate approved a resolution calling for an end to military operations against Iran.
The English-language Cyprus Mail leads with the headline “Gaza Peace Council Meets in Cyprus”, highlighting statements by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis regarding the meeting scheduled for 30 June–1 July. He clarified that Cyprus is neither organising nor co-organising the event. The newspaper also reports on yesterday’s strike and protest by hourly paid public sector employees. In addition, it notes that during YKAN’s press conference it was reported that, according to statistics for the first half of 2026, drug seizures in Cyprus increased by 130%.
Source: CNA
