The government’s handling of the video allegedly implicating individuals from the President’s close circle, the abuse of a sea turtle in Chloraka, mounting economic concerns for households, developments in Iran, and heavy snowfall in Troodos feature prominently on the front pages of Cyprus’ daily newspapers on Wednesday.
In Alithia, the lead story titled “Cyprus presidency under the EU microscope” focuses on the internationalisation of the controversial video at a time when Cyprus has just entered the first week of its Presidency of the Council of the EU, amid heightened European scrutiny. Elsewhere, the paper reports that the killing of protesters in Iran allegedly took place following orders by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In another report, it notes that snowfall in Troodos exceeded 30 centimetres, with Tuesday recorded as the coldest day so far.
Politis leads with the headline “Independent criminal investigator appointed”, reporting that the Attorney General has appointed the president of ADIPA, Andreas Paschalides, as an independent criminal investigator into the video case. Elsewhere, the paper writes that former Central Bank of Cyprus governor Konstantinos Herodotou is a candidate for the presidency of the European Banking Authority. In another article, it publishes research on education, highlighting the unsustainable cost of student life.
In Phileleftheros, the main headline “All three in the video under investigation” reports that it is now clear all three individuals appearing in the footage will be investigated. Elsewhere, the paper notes that while resignations and announcements followed the video’s release, the time taken to act contributed to a climate of crisis and pressure. It also reports that US President Donald Trump appears ready for involvement in Iran, as killings of civilians continue during mass anti-government protests.
Haravgi leads with the headline “Crisis of confidence for the government”, reporting that AKEL is calling on the President of the Republic to account for serious political and institutional responsibilities. Elsewhere, the paper writes that illegal practices at Larnaca airport are suffocating taxi drivers, publishing photographic evidence. In another report, it refers to flooding of tents, collapsed homes and loss of life in the Gaza Strip.
The English-language Cyprus Mail leads with the headline “Men in Paphos charged over turtle abuse”, reporting that a video captured four workers of the Chloraka community council committing what it describes as an “unacceptable act” of mistreating a sea turtle. Elsewhere, the paper reports that the Attorney General appointed an independent criminal investigator for the controversial video case. In another article, it notes continued snowfall in the Troodos mountains, with snow depth reaching 32 centimetres at Chionistra.
The weekly Oikonomiki Kathimerini leads with the headline “The economy will decide the elections”, writing that four months ahead of parliamentary elections, the outcome will hinge on how the Christodoulides government manages economic issues affecting citizens. Elsewhere, it reports that Theodoros Antonios Sarantos Jr is behind the largest deal in Netflix’s history, reshaping Hollywood dynamics. In another article, it notes that Thursday’s visit of the College of Commissioners to Cyprus, along with the role of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, is shaping the President’s approach to managing the video-related crisis.
MP salaries, CMIRS survey findings, a security meeting convened by Tufan Erhürman and domestic security concerns dominate today’s front pages in the north:
In Avrupa (Europe), the lead story titled “£8,500 salary for an MP in the TRNC” publishes statements by economist Engin Kara, who compares the salaries of “MPs” in the north following CoLA-linked increases with those of UK MPs, who earn £7,825. Elsewhere, the paper reports that the security meeting convened by Tufan Erhürman discussed a rise in armed attacks against businesses in the north. In another article, it writes that CTP “MP” Emrah Yesiliramak, who is implicated in the fake diploma scandal, has been appointed by the “parliament” to represent the Turkish Cypriot side in European institutions, a decision the paper describes as an embarrassment.
Halkın Sesi (Voice of the People) leads with the headline “Services provided to 1.5 million patients in one year”, citing statements by “health minister” Hakan Dinçyürek that 1,647,858 patients were treated in all “public” health centres in 2025. For the first time, he said, hospital construction projects are under way simultaneously in all four “districts”. Elsewhere, the paper refers to the CMIRS survey, reporting that the economy is the public’s biggest concern. In another article, it writes about the mysterious death of a Russian agent at the Russian embassy in Nicosia, who reportedly died by suicide on January 8.
In Kıbrıs (Cyprus), the main headline “Customs checkpoints on the table” reports that Erhürman ultimately convened the security meeting, attended also by “finance minister” Özdemir Berova, under whose authority the “customs department” falls. The meeting was called following an armed attack on January 6 against a car dealership in occupied Nicosia and the arrest of a 17-year-old Turkish national. Elsewhere, the paper reports that two of the three suspects arrested in connection with the attack were released on Tuesday, while the third was placed under a further three-day detention order. In another article, it publishes remarks by Erhürman at a memorial event for Rauf Denktaş, stating that Denktaş had stood firm against those who disregarded Turkish Cypriot interests.
Yeni Düzen (New Order) leads with the headline “No trust in the government”, highlighting CMIRS survey findings showing that the “government” is the institution the public trusts the least and is most dissatisfied with. Elsewhere, the paper refers to an event held last Friday at the Home for Cooperation by the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research, aimed at restarting the Imagine programme, describing it as a meeting of peace and solidarity. In another report, it publishes speeches delivered by three CTP “MPs” during Tuesday’s plenary session of the “parliament”, focusing on health and economic issues.