The acquittal of former House president Dimitris Syllouris and former MP and businessman Christakis Giovani in the case stemming from the Al Jazeera investigation into alleged illegal actions under the Cyprus citizenship-by-investment programme, findings by the Audit Office on dysfunction at the Land Registry, the utilisation of natural gas reserves, the opening of court proceedings against former Cyprus Football Association president Giorgos Koumas, and statements by suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos regarding allegations against him dominate Wednesday’s front pages.
Alithia, under the headline “Public anger – judicial defeat”, writes that the acquittal of Syllouris and Giovani in the citizenship programme case once again exposes the Legal Service. In another report, the paper writes that the prospect of natural gas exploitation in Cyprus is failing to attract companies. Elsewhere, it reports that former CFA president Giorgos Koumas is due to appear before court on Friday.
Politis, with the headline “‘Golden’ passports a fantasy”, writes that the Al Jazeera video implicating officials in the citizenship scheme was neither submitted to court nor used as evidence. In another article, it reports on the resignation of Prodromos Petrides from the presidency of APOEL’s board. Elsewhere, the paper writes that suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos says the real facts are being deliberately distorted.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “Acquittal on all charges”, reports that the Criminal Court ruled in the Al Jazeera case that it was not proven there had been an agreement between the accused to commit an offence or to achieve a lawful aim through unlawful means. In another report, the paper writes that patients are desperate over high co-payments for medicines obtained through the national health system (GeSY). Elsewhere, it reports financial irregularities at the Land Registry dating back to 1973 and uncollected revenues amounting to €18.5 million.
Haravgi, with the headline “Cancer patients cannot wait”, writes of responsibilities attributed to the State Health Services Organisation (Okypy) and the health ministry, alleging neglect of public oncology services. In another article, it reports that 14 years on, the Aphrodite and Cronos natural gas fields remain unexploited. Elsewhere, it highlights a joint declaration of solidarity with Cuba signed by 100 communist and workers’ parties.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Syllouris: I was clean, I remain clean”, reports that the former House president said, following his acquittal, that the Al Jazeera video had been edited with political motives to tarnish his image. In another report, the paper writes that suspended Paphos mayor Phedon Phedonos spoke of an organised attempt to smear him through corruption allegations. Elsewhere, it reports that the Audit Office has identified the need for a change in mindset within Land Registry services.
The financial daily Oikonomiki Kathimerini, under the headline “Supermarket profits up again in 2025”, reports that supermarkets recorded turnover of approximately €2.4 billion last year. In another article, it writes that abandoned villages across Europe are being sold at bargain prices. Elsewhere, it reports on exploration by Chevron and ExxonMobil across 94,000 square kilometres in Greece in the search for natural gas.
Turkish Cypriot Press Overview
Tensions that erupted in the “parliament” during debate on the fibre-optics protocol, sharp exchanges between the leaders and the opposition, and union protests outside the chamber dominate the front pages of the Turkish Cypriot press today.
Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “Thieves, swindlers”, reports that during yesterday’s “plenary” session on the fibre-optics “protocol”, the head of the secondary school teachers’ union KTOEÖS, Selma Eylem, shouted “thieves, swindlers” at “MPs” while the issue was being discussed. Security personnel reportedly asked her to leave the chamber. The paper also reports the death of Alper Susuzlu, an actor and one of the founders of comic theatre in the north. It further carries an opinion piece by journalist Téma Irkad concerning a case before the “constitutional court” against “judges” over their decision to sentence a man to 30 years in prison on charges of sexual abuse of a minor.
Halkın Sesi (Voice of the People), headlined “The resistance grows”, focuses on confrontations between leaders and opposition “MPs” during debate on the fibre-optics protocol. It reports that “deputy speaker” Fazilet Ozdenefe suspended the session and rescheduled discussion for next Monday. During the debate, CTP “MP” Erkut Sahali reportedly hung a black flag from the podium. The paper also reports on union protests outside the “parliament” and tensions between “police” and demonstrators. Elsewhere, it publishes statistics indicating that unemployment in the north reached 8,487 in 2025.
Kıbrıs (Cyprus), under the headline “A black stain on the history of parliament”, refers to a statement by the “presidency” following the 19-hour “plenary” session, which ended without a vote on the fibre-optics protocol. The paper reports reactions from political parties and trade unions. Elsewhere, it covers preparations for Ramadan and rising product prices. It also reports that Turkey’s “embassy” in the north and the Evkaf administration are organising nightly iftar dinners across various areas for those in need during the fasting period.
Yeni Düzen (New Order), under the headline “Resistance prevailed, bribery protocol not passed”, writes that reactions inside and outside the “parliament” led to the suspension of the 19-hour session without the fibre-optics protocol being put to a vote. The paper highlights statements by opposition MPs and publishes photographs from both the plenary debate and the union protests outside the building. It does not feature other issues on today’s front page.