Statements by Energy Minister George Papanastasiou before parliament on the Vasilikos LNG terminal, dangerous vaping liquids circulating on the market, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos’ interview with the US outlet Breitbart, reactions concerning the proposed Peace Council, and developments in the investigation into suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos following a new complaint by a citizen dominate today’s front pages.
Alithia, under the headline “Kombos restores alignment with Trump”, writes that the government must respond within 24 hours regarding the Peace Council, referring to what it describes as “bowing diplomacy” in connection with Kombos’ interview with Breitbart. Elsewhere, the paper reports that the energy minister was clarifying and firm in parliament over the Vasilikos terminal, while noting that no timeline was presented. In another report, Alithia writes that following a Supreme Court ruling, police will now be able to open bank safe deposit boxes.
Politis, headlining “Vaping liquids with substances threaten lives”, reports that the state laboratory detected the psychoactive drug MDMB in samples of e-cigarette liquids, linking the products to fainting incidents. In another article, the paper writes that the bill on monitoring telephone communications is heading to parliament. It also highlights a rift between Irene Charalambidou and AKEL, reporting that former allies have now “drawn knives”.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “Withdraw the complaint to get your permit”, reports on a citizen’s complaint accusing Phedon Phedonos of blackmail in a planning case, noting that the mayor confirmed the existence of the complaint but rejected its substance. In another article, the paper writes of an undeclared factional war in Larnaca brought to light after violent incidents and videos allegedly showing extortion and torture. It also features coverage of the energy minister’s statements in parliament on Vasilikos.
Haravgi, with the headline “Vasilikos: €800 million lost and no one responsible”, writes that taxpayers are paying while the government remains silent and the electricity system deteriorates. In another report, it says the government insists on passing on to households the new landfill levy. Elsewhere, the paper highlights Cyprus’ ranking in the corruption perception index.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Cyprus returns EU funding for LNG”, focuses on Tuesday’s parliamentary debate on Vasilikos and criticism by MPs that no one is assuming responsibility for continued delays. The paper also reports that a group of citizens is calling on CyBC to withdraw the song “JALLA”, which is set to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest. It further reports on AKEL’s decision to remove Irene Charalambidou from its parliamentary group.
The weekly Oikonomiki Kathimerini, under the headline “€4.4 million annually in interest for Cyprus over Ukraine”, writes of concerns that the €90 billion EU loan package to support Ukraine may not be repaid. In another report, it warns that dam levels are falling and an SOS is being sent over water reserves. It also highlights plans for a technology park in Pentakomo, with a final decision expected in April pending clarifications.