The presentation by President Nicos Christodoulides on the government’s objectives for 2026, the results of the RIK opinion poll, punitive measures for excessive water consumption, and the suspension of two mayors dominate today’s newspaper front pages.
Alithia runs its main story under the headline “Olgin and Erhürman were measured, but not Christodoulides”, writing that the RIK poll did not measure the President’s popularity, nor the government’s performance, and did not include a question on the controversial video. Elsewhere, the paper describes the water situation in Nicosia and Limassol as alarming, noting reactions from the District Water Organisations over a proposed 10% reduction in water supply. In another report, Alithia highlights the decision of DISY’s executive bureau regarding the mayors of Paphos and Lefkoniko.
Politis headlines its main story “Management with far reaching implications”, reporting that the suspension imposed on the two mayors opens the door to a series of potentially serious issues. Elsewhere, it reports that the Road Safety Council has decided to accelerate licence revocations for dangerous drivers. In another article, Politis writes that concerns over the water crisis are intensifying, citing criticism from DISY’s President over delayed and inadequate decisions, as well as comments by the President of the Limassol District Water Organisation on the Water Development Department’s ability to deliver desalination units within set timelines.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “The strong cards of the third year”, reports that yesterday’s presentation by the President of the Republic on the government’s work for 2026 placed emphasis on foreign policy and the economy, outlining 59 government actions. Elsewhere, it writes that authorities are seeking corroborating testimony in the case involving Phedonas. In another report, Phileleftheros states that forest land management is proving problematic and notes a confrontation that took place yesterday at the House of Representatives’ Audit Committee.
Haravgi leads with the headline “Rot governs, the people pay…”, writing about responsibility at the Presidential Palace and the Attorney General’s Office for corruption that, it says, is suffocating the country. It also reports that, according to the RIK poll, citizens feel shame, anger and frustration, and that political parties will fight hard over percentage points. In another item, the paper notes that the Left group in the European Parliament discussed peace, the Cyprus issue and Palestine.
The English language Cyprus Mail headlines “Punitive laws for greedy water users”, referring to statements by officials from the Water Development Department on curbing water waste. Elsewhere, it reports on discussions at the House Interior Committee on proposed legislation restricting land purchases by foreign nationals. The paper also highlights concerns regarding battery storage facilities for renewable energy.
The weekly Gnomi, under the headline “Everything is blue, yet stench and decay are emerging”, writes in its main article that the hands of the “Right wing and far right gang” are ‘dirty’, referring to a “black front”. It also writes about bank interest rates and highlights social inequalities and problems faced by segments of the population.
Pontiki headlines “Students held hostage by Turkey”, referring to a European Parliament mission to the occupied areas regarding the situation at the Rizokarpaso school, following a request by MEP Loukas Fourlas. Elsewhere, it writes about the ten wealthiest families in the world, including European aristocracy among the powerful, and reports on a wave of suicides among women in Turkey. The third anniversary of the death of Turkish Cypriot students and teachers during the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, the memorial event to be held, developments in the related court case in Turkey, statements by the so called “president” of the “supreme court” Bertan Özerdağ on the importance of constitutional change, and remarks by the “mayor” of an occupied Mesaoria area are among the issues featured on the front pages of Turkish Cypriot newspapers.
Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “Turkey brought it, Turkey will take it away”, writes that early “elections” in the occupied areas cannot take place without Turkey’s approval, while, in order to delay developments regarding a potential “referendum”, the “prime minister” Ünal Üstel insists it should be held in early May. The paper also highlights statements by the “president” of the “supreme court” and the “president” of the “bar association” Hasan Esendağli on discussions over a possible “referendum” to increase the number of “judges” in the occupied areas. It also refers to accusations by “MP” Cansu Nazlı of the Independent Party against the Turkish Cypriot leader over appointments at an illegal university.
Halkın Sesi (Voice of the People), with the headline “Endless pain”, writes that today marks the third anniversary of the death of Turkish Cypriot students and teachers under the rubble of a hotel in Turkey, while the “Champion Angels” group will hold a symbolic memorial event. It also reports that Mr Özerdağ referred, in statements, to the importance of discussing the “referendum” issue away from party and political agendas. Elsewhere, it reports that the “mayor” of an occupied Mesaoria area announced the financial situation of the “municipality”, stating that a debt of 5.7 million Turkish lira was repaid over three years.
Kıbrıs (Cyprus), under the headline “That black day again”, refers to today’s third anniversary of the tragic events in Turkey following the 2023 earthquake, writing that the Turkish Cypriot community continues to share the pain of the families and support the struggle for justice, while a memorial event with white balloons will be held. It also reports that 11 people were arrested in a “police operation” over illegal tobacco possession and refers to statements by Mr Özerdağ on the importance of constitutional change to increase the number of “judges” in the occupied areas.
Yeni Düzen (New Order), headlining “There is no independent and neutral justice in Turkey”, features a special report on the collapse of the Isias Hotel during the 6 February 2023 earthquake, which killed Turkish Cypriot students and teachers, and the progress of the legal battle against those responsible. It also refers to developments in the fake diploma case and investigations into possible involvement of the “speaker” of the “parliament”. Elsewhere, it reports that the “mayor” of an occupied Mesaoria area presented the financial situation of the “municipality” at a press conference and announced his “candidacy”.