The €500,000 contribution by an American investor referred to in the controversial video, the presentation of the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency by the President of the Republic before the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, developments surrounding the Vasiliko project following yesterday’s appearance of the Minister of Commerce before the House, and the EU–Mercosur agreement and its impact on Cyprus dominate today’s newspaper front pages.
Under the headline “Mystery Surrounding the €500,000”, Alithia reports that each government statement deepens the confusion surrounding the amount mentioned in the controversial video involving references to funding and investments. Elsewhere, it reports that ETYFA refused to provide the House with the data and figures requested regarding the Vasiliko project. The paper also highlights the rise of organised crime and today’s discussion on the issue in Parliament.
Politis leads with the headline “No Answers on the €500,000 ‘Donation’”, writing that contradictions and silence persist over the American investment referred to in the controversial video. It also reports that, against the backdrop of developments in Greenland, the President of the Republic presented the priorities of Cyprus’s EU Presidency in Strasbourg. The paper further highlights the remand of five individuals over the Larnaca incidents, with three more suspects still wanted.
With the headline “Presidency Under the Pressure of Crisis”, Phileleftheros focuses on the presentation of the five priorities of the Cypriot EU Presidency before the European Parliament, at a moment when US–Brussels relations are at a critical juncture. Elsewhere, it reports that visitors from Israel have surpassed those from the United Kingdom in Cyprus, and notes that the police continue to face criticism over organised crime.
Haravgi titles its main story “Failed Projects and a Levy on Citizens”, reporting on what was heard yesterday in Parliament regarding the Vasiliko project and the GSI. Elsewhere, it notes that farmers took to the streets in Strasbourg in protest over the Mercosur agreement. In another report, the paper highlights AKEL’s proposal for ending foreclosures on primary residences.
The English-language Cyprus Mail leads with “President: EU Unity Is Our ‘Greatest Strength’”, focusing on the President’s presentation of the EU Presidency priorities before the European Parliament. Elsewhere, it reports on statements by the President of the Police Branch of the ISOTITA trade union criticising the police over organised crime. The paper also highlights a strike by taxi drivers, who are warning of an escalation of measures.
The weekly Oikonomiki Kathimerini leads with “What the Mercosur Agreement Brings for Cyprus”, writing that it opens the way for Cypriot businesses to access the Latin American market. It also highlights President Christodoulides’ presence in Strasbourg for the presentation of the EU Presidency priorities, while elsewhere reporting on the pension system and ongoing efforts to conclude reform discussions.