Discussions surrounding the Legal Service following the findings of the Anti-Corruption Authority, the new building inspection system, dangerous apartment blocks in Larnaca, overcrowding at Athalassa Hospital, and references to Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union are among the issues featured on today’s newspaper front pages.
The newspaper Alithia, under the headline “A Climate of Resignation for State Prosecutors is Being Created”, writes in its lead story that the “Mafia State” case has reignited debate over the leadership of the Legal Service, with public calls for the resignation of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General increasing. At the same time, the recusal of Mr Savvides and Mr Angelides has triggered the process for appointing a prosecutorial council. In another report, the paper covers the kidnapping of a 22-year-old man from Bangladesh, citing claims that a ransom was demanded from his family and that threats were made, including the removal of a kidney. Elsewhere, it reports that discussions on direct dialogue with the Kremlin were opened at the European Council Summit, with Antonio Costa revealing that limited contacts have already taken place with a close associate of Vladimir Putin, while Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz are seeking a leading role for France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Politis, in its lead story under the headline “New Building Inspection System”, reports that a new framework for building inspectors is being promoted, aimed at ending irregularities through inspections at every stage of construction. The bill establishing the institution of the building inspector has been submitted for public consultation. Elsewhere, the newspaper refers to “death traps” in connection with the double drowning of two young women on Thursday at a beach in Oroklini after they became trapped by a breakwater. It adds that fresh concerns are being raised about shortages of lifeguards. In another article, it reports that the Central Bank forecasts growth of less than 2.5 per cent for 2026, presenting its outlook for the Cypriot economy.
Phileleftheros headlines its main story “Twenty-Seven Dangerous Apartment Blocks”, reporting serious concerns over data relating to unsafe buildings in the Larnaca district. According to records kept by the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation, 27 of the dangerous structures are apartment blocks containing approximately 300 occupied flats, while a total of 1,050 dangerous buildings have been identified across the district. In another article, it notes that the drowning of two 20-year-old women from Somalia at Oroklini beach raises serious questions, as their deaths have brought renewed attention to whether there are sufficient numbers of lifeguards on the beaches. Elsewhere, it reports that Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union “left a legacy”, highlighting comments made at this week’s European Council meeting.
Under the headline “Public Demand for Accountability”, Haravgi reports in its lead story on a demonstration being organised outside the Legal Service on Monday, calling for the resignation of those responsible and for accountability to be assigned to all those implicated in the findings of the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding the book Mafia State. In another report, it refers to Athalassa Hospital, noting that wards are operating at 150 per cent capacity and that there is a shortage of 46 nurses. Elsewhere, it writes about changes being promoted to teacher recruitment before 2027, noting that from 2027 the recruitment register will be abolished and appointments will be made exclusively through the list of eligible candidates, a development which, it says, creates problems that need to be addressed.
The English-language Cyprus Mail headlines its main story “Christodoulides Praises Cyprus’s EU Presidency”, reporting that President Nikos Christodoulides described Cyprus’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union as “an exceptional honour”, stressing that serving as the voice of the EU’s 27 Member States is both a great responsibility and an important mission. Elsewhere, the newspaper reports on the arrest of two British nationals following a violent incident in Ayia Napa, noting that police are investigating the circumstances of the altercation and examining video footage and witness statements. In another article, it reports that the Central Bank of Cyprus believes the conflict in the Middle East is affecting the island’s economic outlook, highlighting the impact of geopolitical instability on the Cypriot economy.
