The repercussions of a video released containing allegations against the government and the resignations that followed, the stance of the President on the matter and the police investigation, a surge in viral infections, the hearing of a request to lift the parliamentary immunity of MP Nikos Syka, the situation at dams and aquifers, as well as the case of the death of an employee of the Russian embassy in Nicosia, are among the issues highlighted on the front pages of newspapers on Tuesday.
Alithia, under the headline “Democracy in Decline”, writes about resignations without answers, insinuations instead of transparency, and electoral warnings from the President following the release of the video. In another article, it refers to the “lukewarm stance of the supposedly anti-system ELAM”, noting that the party is keeping equal distances on the video issue. Elsewhere, it reports a new surge in flu infections.
Politis, in its main story titled “Resignations Do Not Erase Responsibilities”, writes that the political issue raised for President Christodoulides remains open following the video’s publication. In another article, it presents a newspaper investigation into the cost of the absence of university clinics, while elsewhere it refers to the court proceedings regarding the lifting of MP Nikos Syka’s immunity.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “He Said It All to CID, Clearly and in Writing”, reports on Giorgos Lakkotrypis’ statement to police concerning the video, and notes that scrutiny of contacts with Stratix Wealth is being raised in light of lobbying legislation. In another article, it writes about cutting-edge defence technology in the National Guard, while elsewhere it reports warnings from doctors and pharmacists about flu and viral infections.
Haravgi, with the headline “The President at the End of the Thread”, writes that AKEL is denouncing a lack of political will to investigate the scandal following the video’s release and points to the President as the central link. In other articles, it reports a significant boost to dams and aquifers and snowfall in Troodos, while elsewhere it writes that halloumi, farmers and rural areas are at the mercy of multinationals due to the Mercosur agreement.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Christodoulides says he has ‘clean hands’”, reports that the President described the resignation of his Office Director, Charalambos Charalambous, as an “act of self-confidence”. In another article, it writes about the laying of a foundation stone in Limassol for an affordable housing project. Elsewhere, it reports that police have ruled out foul play in the death of a Russian employee of the Russian embassy in Nicosia.
The comparison between salary increases for “MPs” due to the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) and the rise in the minimum wage, the related discussion held yesterday in the “parliament”, and the situation in education, are among the main topics in the Turkish Cypriot press today.
Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “There Is No Other Alper Orhon”, questions whether “MPs” felt any shame in receiving pay rises due to COLA and the minimum wage increase. It refers to the only “MP” who refused a salary increase in 1976, Alper Orhon of the then Turkish Cypriot People’s Party, considering it excessive. Elsewhere, it writes that global attention has suddenly shifted from Venezuela to Iran, where the fall of the mullahs could happen at any moment. In another article, it reports threats by a Russian diplomat against President Christodoulides, saying he will pay for his hostile stance towards Russia. It also notes that as Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency, President Christodoulides is facing allegations of corruption and favouritism, while at the same time a Russian businessman has disappeared in Limassol.
Halkın Sesi (Voice of the People), under the headline “Huge Disparity in Income Distribution”, highlights statements by economist Engin Kara, who said that the salary increase for “MPs” amounts to 21.7%, or £1,500, bringing their pay to £8,500 – 44% higher than the new minimum wage. Elsewhere, it writes about Christodoulides’ “love for EOKA”, publishing a photograph from an event commemorating those who fought during the period of Turkish Cypriot resistance. In another article, it reports that the “Ministry of Transport” warned car owners with Takata airbags to replace them by the end of June 2027.
Kıbrıs (Cyprus), under the headline “Half the Projects Will Be Completed by 2026”, highlights a speech by “Prime Minister” Ünal Üstel in the “parliament”, stating that with Turkey’s support and their own resources they will complete all unfinished projects from the 2013–2022 programme, complete the construction of new hospitals, and take steps regarding the highly problematic Lykeio Lefka building. Elsewhere, it reports that citrus growers were encouraged by news from Cypfruvex, which secured a market for 10,000 tonnes of citrus fruit at higher prices. In another article, it reports that a delegation from the EU parliamentary committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly met Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman in the occupied areas.
Yeni Düzen (New Order), under the headline “Our Contribution to Education as a Government Is There”, highlights statements by the “Minister of Education”, Nazım Çavuşoğlu, and dedicates its entire front page to the issue, showing schools functioning as construction sites, container classrooms still in use, and protests by parents and students over the poor condition of school buildings. It reports that classrooms are housed in containers placed in the yard of the Lefka high school, sewage odours persist, toilets lack doors, and the overall state of many schools demonstrates the collapse of education in the breakaway state.
Source: CNA