Comments by former DISY leader Averof Neophytou on a social media post by President Nikos Christodoulides regarding fiscal policy, the government’s decision to impose a 10 percent cut in water supply during the summer, findings from the investigation into the president of the Cyprus Football Association (KOP), European Left support for Cyprus’ reunification efforts, and allegations against the mayor of Paphos dominate newspaper front pages on Wednesday.
Alithia, under the headline “External debt fell, domestic debt exploded”, writes in its main story that Averof Neophytou “exposes an operation to mislead the public” by President Christodoulides, warning of a time bomb at the foundations of the economy. Elsewhere, the paper reports on a clash within the Legal Service over the KOP investigation findings, citing opposing approaches by the attorney general and the criminal investigator. In another report, it refers to contradictory handling by the police in the Annie Alexui case.
Politis, headlining “Water only four days a week”, reports on the government’s decision to impose a 10 percent reduction in water supply during the summer months, alongside strong objections from the Nicosia District Organisation (EOA), which warns of strain on the system. In another article, the paper writes that the Anti-Corruption Authority has forwarded for investigation to a ministry a complaint alleging that public servants are extorting contractors involved in public works. Elsewhere, Politis reports that changes to foreclosures are not considered necessary for KEDIPES.
Phileleftheros, under the title “What the investigations revealed”, outlines the three offences examined in relation to the KOP president’s case, including conflict of interest and money laundering, noting that the attorney general is expected to decide on the matter soon. In another report, the paper writes of public backlash over an environmental levy on borehole water. Elsewhere, it reports that Larnaca residents have issued a 15-day ultimatum over delays at the city’s port and marina.
Haravgi, with the headline “A strong Left stands with Cyprus”, focuses on the conference of the Left group in the European Parliament hosted by AKEL in Limassol, reporting full support from the European Left for efforts to reunify Cyprus. In another article, the paper voices concerns that the corruption case involving the KOP could stall, claiming it remains stuck in drawers. Elsewhere, Haravgi reports overcrowding in emergency departments, 90 percent occupancy in public hospitals, and nurses operating at their limits.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Businessman accuses Paphos mayor of rape”, reports that property developer Theodoros Aristodemou has repeated allegations against the mayor of Paphos as police launch a new investigation. In another story, the paper writes that Jeffrey Epstein stated in an email that using Cyprus for tax avoidance would be “foolish” and “dangerous”. Elsewhere, Cyprus Mail reports that KEDIPES’ assets exceed €5 billion.
A scuffle that broke out yesterday in the 'plenary' in the north between a deputy of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) and a deputy of the National Unity Party (UBP), satisfaction expressed by the head of the construction contractors’ association in the north over amendments to the 'law' on employer liability in workplace accidents, and data from the 'statistical office' showing population growth in the breakaway entity dominate the front pages of the Turkish Cypriot press.
Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “Favourable treatment of employers in workplace accidents”, highlights statements by the head of the construction contractors’ association in the north, Cafer Gürcafer, regarding amendments passed by the 'parliament' to the 'law' on employer responsibility in workplace accidents, under which employers would bear no liability in the event of an accident. The paper also reports that, according to the 'statistical office', the population in the north reached 489,308 in 2024. It further refers to tensions in the 'plenary' of the 'parliament', where a deputy of the CTP came to blows with a “deputy” of the UBP.
Halkın Sesi (Voice of the People), with the headline “Birth rate declining”, reports statistical data showing a 7 percent drop in births in 2024, with 3,382 births recorded, while noting that the population increased by 69,498 compared with 2020. The paper also reports on the clash in the 'parliament' between a CTP deputy and a UBP deputy during discussions on a proposed referendum to increase the number of 'judges' and on the issue of early “elections”. Elsewhere, it reports the arrest of a foreign national in occupied Kyrenia after drugs were found in his possession.
Kıbrıs (Cyprus), under the headline “Judiciary awaits support”, focuses on contacts between the 'president' of the 'supreme court' in the north, Bertan Özerdağ, members of the 'supreme judicial council', and the 'prime minister', Ünal Üstel, regarding a proposed 'constitutional amendment' to increase the number of 'judges' and the holding of a referendum. It also reports political reactions on the issue, as well as on the possibility of early elections. The paper further refers to a meeting between Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and Ünal Üstel on current affairs, and reports that deputies of the CTP and UBP came to blows during yesterday’s session of the 'parliament'.
Yeni Düzen (New Order), under the headline “Fear of the ballot box”, reports on the tension that erupted in the 'parliament' during debate on whether a referendum to amend the 'constitution' to increase the number of 'judges' should take place before early elections. The paper notes that a CTP deputy and a UBP deputy were involved in a physical altercation, and carries statements by both the 'government' and the opposition. It also publishes a photograph from the clash between UBP deputy Ahmet Savaşan and CTP deputy Ongun Talat.