Tuesday’s newspaper coverage focuses on the British Bases and a proposal for a technical committee, changes to the way the House President is elected, the selection of Mathiatis for the construction of new Central Prisons, rising poverty and cost of living pressures, the resignation of Johannes Hahn from his role as the European Commission’s envoy on the Cyprus issue, and the strike by Wolt drivers.
Alithia, under the headline “Turkey also enters the picture”, reports in its lead story that the proposal for a technical committee on the British Bases opens what it describes as a new cycle of handling the Cyprus issue, noting that the discussion effectively brings Turkey into the equation. In another report, the paper notes that Johannes Hahn is stepping down from his role on the Cyprus issue, pointing to new dynamics in the European Union’s effort to play a more active role. Elsewhere, it highlights data showing that 167,000 citizens are close to the poverty threshold, emphasising the growing social pressure reflected in the figures.
Politis, in its main story titled “Two-round elections for House President”, reports that significant changes are being promoted in the functioning of parliament, with the central reform concerning the election of the Speaker through a two-round process. In another report, the paper refers to new developments surrounding foot and mouth disease, noting that issues are emerging involving the obstruction of the competent authorities. It also highlights the construction of new Central Prisons in Mathiatis, presenting the site selection as a clear and final direction.
Phileleftheros, headlined “Technical committee for the Bases”, reports that a proposal is on the table for structured, escalating discussions focusing on the status of the British Bases, with a long-term horizon that, as it writes, could even extend to their abolition. The newspaper also covers the epidemiological investigation into the spread of foot and mouth disease, focusing on animal movements believed to have contributed to its transmission. In another report, it highlights the decision to build new prisons in Mathiatis, while also recording security concerns linked to broader regional developments.
Haravgi, under the headline “High prices crush households”, focuses its main story on statistical data showing that 167,000 people in Cyprus are living in conditions of poverty or social exclusion, arguing that the reality behind the figures exposes the government. In another report, the paper addresses developments related to foot and mouth disease, noting that animal cullings are increasing and concerns are intensifying. Elsewhere, it examines the impact of Johannes Hahn’s departure, referring to further difficulties in efforts to restart negotiations on the Cyprus issue.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Mathiatis identified as site for new prison”, reports that the new central prison will be constructed in Mathiatis, with the aim of relieving pressure on existing facilities and creating more modern infrastructure. The paper also covers the resignation of Johannes Hahn, highlighting the gap it creates in European involvement in the Cyprus issue. At the same time, it reports on the strike mobilisation of Wolt drivers outside the company’s offices in Nicosia, outlining their demands for improved working conditions.
The discussion held yesterday in the “plenary of parliament” in the north dominates today’s front pages of the Turkish Cypriot press, bringing back into focus the issue of granting a large area of land in the Karpasia region to Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ), as well as debates over cost-of-living allowances (ATA), wage inequalities and the use of troll accounts.
Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “Military base in Karpasia”, reports that during yesterday’s parliamentary debate and the approval of a “bill” granting 3,500 donums of land to İTÜ, “prime minister” Unal Ustel referred to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Cyprus is under threat, suggesting that the investment in Karpasia is viewed within that context. The paper, which carries no other front-page story, writes that this implies the possible creation of a military base in the region. It also notes that the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) revised its position and ultimately voted against the “bill” during the plenary session. The land in question is said to correspond to 90% of the area of the “municipality” of Nicosia.
Halkin Sesi (Voice of the People), headlined “Strategic justification for land transfer”, also focuses on the same issue, highlighting Ustel’s statement that the İTÜ investment in Karpasia is of strategic importance. It reports that the “bill” was approved by majority vote and concerns a 49-year concession of the land. Elsewhere, it features remarks by CTP leader Sila Usar Incirli in parliament, criticising the “government” for invoking the war as a justification for not granting the cost-of-living allowance (ATA) linked to inflation, questioning whether there is any concern for how people are coping. In another report, the paper raises questions over whether US President Donald Trump is stepping back, referring to his statements that negotiations have been progressing well over the past two days and that attacks are being postponed for five days.
Kibris (Cyprus), under the headline “Button pressed to increase justice”, reports that the “council of leaders” in parliament approved the creation of a special ad hoc “committee” to examine the significant gap between high and low earners following the granting of the ATA. Elsewhere, it reports on a clash between Ustel and CTP “MP” Devrim Barcin over allegations regarding the use of troll accounts for political attacks, with Ustel responding that he has been in parliament since 1991 and has no need for such practices. The paper also notes the resignation of Austrian Johannes Hahn from his role as EU envoy on the Cyprus issue, adding that attention now turns to his successor.
Yeni Duzen (New Order), under the headline “Shame on you Unal Ustel, resign, here is the payment cheque”, reports that CTP “MP” Devrim Barcin, who had raised the issue of alleged payments for troll accounts through “state funds”, returned to the matter in yesterday’s plenary, presenting a cheque of 50,000 Turkish lira and calling on Ustel to resign. In another report, it writes that despite objections from the CTP, the “coalition” parties voted in favour of granting land in Karpasia to İTÜ. Elsewhere, it also refers to the intervention by the CTP leader in parliament on the issue of ATA and its non-payment due to inflation.