Development projects, Eurostat economic data, the cost of electricity and efforts to bring Cyprus into the Schengen area are among the main subjects featured on the front pages of the Cypriot press on Saturday.
Under the headline “Larnaca is seething”, Alithia reports that, following anger in Paphos over the collapse of tenders for the Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road, Larnaca organisations and residents are also outraged by a new obstacle concerning the marina, which has put the major development project in doubt. The project’s planning was blocked following an opinion by the Legal Service. The newspaper also writes that the delimitation of the Cyprus–Greece exclusive economic zone is under consideration and that Athens, Nicosia and Cairo are coordinating diplomatically following the Turkish-Libyan memorandum. In another report, it says APOEL has gone on the counterattack and responded to AKEL’s General Secretary after videos showing confidential police documents were posted on fan websites.
Under the headline “2038 and beyond for a better road network”, Politis writes that the completion of major road routes across Cyprus is now expected in the next decade. Following a new delay to the Paphos–Polis Chrysochous road, the newspaper charts the progress of work on other major and important motorways. It also reports that four new investigations into alleged corruption cases are under way, involving current and former officials and public servants. Inspection officers have been appointed and are expected to start work next week. In parallel, procedures are being advanced to launch an investigation into the spy van. In another report, the newspaper writes that the Cyprus–France defence and military agreement, signed in June, is being brought before Parliament for discussion and approval.
Under the headline “There is money, but not for everyone”, Phileleftheros reports that, according to Eurostat data, income inequality in Cyprus increased from 2024 to 2025 and remains above the EU average, where inequality fell. The report shows that disposable income in Cyprus compares favourably with that in Scandinavian countries, but its distribution among social groups has serious shortcomings. The newspaper also reports on an objection by ETEK and a disagreement between the Department of the Environment and the Department of Town Planning concerning the process of legalising the unauthorised construction of the Holy Monastery of Saints Ephraim and Catherine at Cape Greco. The procedure at SYMEPA concludes on October 30, with the final decision resting with the Council of Ministers. In another report, it says Department of Social Welfare officers are at breaking point and went on strike on Friday, calling for their problems to be resolved.
Under the headline “Three new AKEL bills on electricity”, Haravgi writes that the proposals concern tackling market distortions, curbing profiteering and reducing electricity costs. Among their aims is the recovery of excessive profits from electricity producers through a mechanism that returns revenue above a reasonable threshold for the benefit of consumers. The newspaper also covers the bill on the education of children with disabilities and the changes, provisions and new regulations it introduces. Another report describes a revealing confrontation in Parliament over the Cyprus issue, prompted by the Turkish-Libyan memorandum.
Under the headline “Schengen will not restrict crossings”, the English-language Cyprus Mail reports that Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos promised on Friday that there would be no change to the rules on who may cross between the two sides of Cyprus at crossing points if the island joins the Schengen area. He was speaking during discussion of his ministry’s budget at Parliament’s Finance Committee. The newspaper also reports that AKEL MP Aristos Damianou alleged that Larnaca residents were being pressured to sell their homes to foreign property investors after being intimidated by “enforcers”. In another report, it says Reform UK has gone on the counterattack with a new media platform.
Source: CNA
