A wide range of political, legal and international issues dominate today’s newspaper front pages in Cyprus, highlighting a day of intense public debate and geopolitical unease. Government consultations with the College of Commissioners, discussions in Parliament over property purchases by foreign nationals, continuing reactions to the controversial video, and developments in both domestic legal cases and regional crises form the core of the news agenda across the press.
Under the headline “Operation To Silence The Controversial Video”, Alithia reports alleged efforts to close the case without addressing the political and ethical questions raised. Elsewhere, it notes that no objection was raised to lifting the parliamentary immunity of MP Nikos Sykas for the investigation of assault allegations, while also highlighting continued international concern over Iran and its strained relations with the United States.
Politis leads with “The Road Opens For Sykas’ Interrogation”, writing that beyond the criminal investigation, the issue places political pressure on DISY to take decisions at party level. Other reports focus on a Channel 4 video alleging sexual exploitation of girls in Ayia Napa, as well as ongoing discussions between Nicosia and Israel over the electricity interconnector.
With the headline “EU Navigation On Four Axes”, Phileleftheros covers yesterday’s discussions between the College of Commissioners and the Cabinet on a joint agenda structured around four key pillars. It also reports on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to the Green Line and the interrogation of Nikos Sykas following the lifting of his immunity.
Haravgi headlines “Brake On Uncontrolled Sell-Off”, focusing on AKEL’s proposals regarding land purchases by foreigners as part of efforts to address the housing crisis. It also reports shocking allegations of sexual exploitation in Ayia Napa and a police-initiated investigation, alongside claims by AKEL of an informal funding mechanism operating outside principles of good governance at the Presidential Palace.
The Cyprus Mail leads with “Aykut Seeks To Serve Sentence In Israel”, reporting that Simon Aykut, convicted of usurping Greek Cypriot properties, has requested to serve his sentence in his country of origin. The paper also covers the launch of an investigation into the Ayia Napa allegations and parliamentary discussions on stricter criteria for selling land to foreign nationals.
With the headline “A President With Reduced Defences To His Funders”, Gnomi argues that the government is being shaken by the controversial video and allegations of illegal funding, with institutions coming under strain. It also refers to a “pre-election atmosphere” behind celebrations linked to the EU Presidency and farmers’ reactions to the EU–Mercosur agreement.
To Pontiki writes that “The Moral Wound Caused By The Video Is Hard To Heal”, analysing the impact of the alleged illegal funding scandal on governance and institutions. It also reports on the death of a young woman during anti-government protests in Iran, developments in Venezuela, and reactions in the Turkish Cypriot press.
Under the headline “Revolt Of Trapped Property Buyers”, Avrupa focuses exclusively on protests by buyers of apartments in high-rise developments in Kazivera, who paid large deposits for projects that remain unfinished years later.
Almost the entire front page of Halkin Sesi is dedicated to commemorations for Fazıl Küçük, historical leader of the Turkish Cypriot community and founder of the newspaper. Elsewhere, it reports criticism by MP Erkut Şahali over wage indexation policies.
Kıbrıs leads with statements by Turkey’s Vice President during a joint press conference with “prime minister” Ünal Üstel on economic issues and the Cyprus problem. It also features coverage of von der Leyen’s visit to the Green Line and criticism of the EU’s stance on Cyprus by Turkish Cypriot officials.
With the headline “Correct Basis, Mutual Respect”, Yeni Düzen reports on messages sent by an RCT delegation during meetings in Ankara with Turkish political parties, journalists and civil society groups. It also covers trade union legal action over the minimum wage and public protests highlighting the cost-of-living crisis.