A broad range of issues dominate today’s newspaper front pages, including a series of bomb attacks in Limassol, farmers’ mobilisations in Cyprus and across Europe, Nicosia’s denial of reports on a joint Cyprus–Greece–Israel rapid response force, comments by the Finance Minister on inflexible public spending, and shortages of nurses in private hospitals.
Alithia runs its main story under the headline “Makis Throws Up His Hands”, referring to statements by the Finance Minister that, on the one hand, there are demands for cuts to inflexible expenditure, while on the other there are calls for increased staffing. Elsewhere, the paper reports that a French court blocked an arrest warrant issued by the Republic of Cyprus for usurpation, allowing the accused to return to the occupied areas. In another article, Alithia refers to comments by the Turkish Foreign Minister in support of a two-state solution.
Politis headlines its main story “Limassol at the Mercy of the Underworld”, writing that citizens are living in insecurity, with police unable to protect them, citing three arson attacks within three weeks. In another report, it claims that due to “loophole-ridden legislation”, political parties are able to spend freely on pre-election campaigns while “misleading” the Audit Office. The paper also highlights the start of the trial into the death of 15-year-old Stylianos, with 12 individuals in the dock.
Phileleftheros leads with “‘We Will Shut Down Hospitals’”, focusing on the shortage of nurses in private hospitals, reportedly due to outdated legislation. Elsewhere, it covers farmers’ protests in Cyprus over the CAP and the Mercosur agreement, noting that Brussels resembled a battlefield yesterday. In another article, the paper reports on reactions to the proposed teacher evaluation scheme, with warnings of escalating measures.
Haravgi features its main story under the headline “They Took to Their Tractors for Land and Bread”, highlighting farmers’ mobilisations against policies said to be “strangling” the primary sector. Elsewhere, it reports on the explosive attack on the home of visual artist Giorgos Gavriel. In another piece, it addresses the teacher evaluation issue, writing that “DISY–DIKO–DIPA tailored it to fit”.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Minister Plays Down Reports of Defence Pact”, focuses on statements by the Defence Minister, who does not confirm reports of a joint Cyprus–Greece–Israel rapid response force. Elsewhere, it reports on crime statistics released by the Statistical Service and publishes a photograph from yesterday’s farmers’ protests, noting Cypriot farmers’ participation in pan-European demonstrations against planned changes to the CAP.
The weekly Gnomi, headlined “Explosive Attack Against G. Gavriel!”, reports on the attack on the home of visual artist Giorgos Gavriel, claiming that the “moral instigators are DISY–ELAM”. It also writes about a “two-speed Christmas” for different social groups and reports on public outcry over a Nazi salute incident at a school in Larnaca.
To Pontiki headlines its main story “Cyprus Issue: A Roadmap Strewn with Traps”, referring to the “entrenchment of cooperation between two entities and the locking-in of convergences that serve only Turkey”. Elsewhere, it publishes a feature on the occupied village of Koutsoventis and also carries a report on the history of the Christmas tree.
Hakan Fidan’s interview with English-language TRT and his remarks on a two-state solution, changes in the leadership of the CTP, and a range of local developments feature prominently on the front pages of the Turkish Cypriot press today.
Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “Who Will Save This Man?”, revisits the case of a father sentenced to 30 years in prison for the sexual abuse of his autistic son. Columnist Sener Levent claims the man has been framed, noting that his “appeal against the final verdict” is scheduled to be examined on 28 January. Elsewhere, the paper reports that the “trial” of Fatos Unal, known as Zuzu, former head of the CTP women’s organisation in Kyrenia, over a fake university degree was postponed yesterday until 8 January. In another story, Avrupa reports on yet another fatal road accident, this time claiming the life of a 21-year-old woman in occupied Marathovouno.
Halkın Sesi (Voice of the People) leads with “Another Young Life Withered Away”, referring to the fatal road accident involving the 21-year-old woman. The paper writes that at 10:25 yesterday morning, the young woman lost control of her vehicle, crashed into a tree on the rural road near Marathovouno and later succumbed to her injuries at Famagusta hospital. Elsewhere, it reports that 30 teams are currently working on animal vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease. In another article, the paper claims that the “Nazi spirit has entered schools” on the Greek Cypriot side, referring to an incident at a high school in Larnaca.
Kıbrıs (Cyprus) headlines its main story “We Can Turn Cyprus into a Paradise”, focusing on what it describes as key messages by Hakan Fidan to Greek Cypriots and the EU during his interview. Fidan reportedly claimed that Greek Cypriots will never agree to sharing power, wealth and authority equally. Elsewhere, the paper reports that the meeting between Olgin and Fidan took place in Ankara but was not followed by any statements, publishing the photograph released by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In another story, it reports that Tufan Erhürman met with the French ambassador.
Yeni Düzen (New Order) runs its main story under the headline “A New Era at the CTP”, referring to the election of Mehmet Kale Kisi as the party’s new general secretary, as well as the election of the new nine-member Central Executive Board. Elsewhere, the paper reports that foot-and-mouth disease vaccines arrived from Turkey three days later than expected, while noting that no statement has yet been issued regarding any new cases. In another article, it also reports on the death of 21-year-old Gizem Gumusoy in the road accident in Marathovouno.