Civil Defence becomes Civil Protection — new roles announced
Government to create a National Civil Protection Mechanism, Civil Defence upgraded to handle crises and natural disasters. Fire Service and Forestry move to the Interior Ministry, renamed Interior and Civil Protection. Special adviser Giorgos Boustras says this summer’s fires revealed coordination and capacity gaps, prompting reform. New body will cover prevention, suppression and recovery. EU technical teams to advise on modernization. Draft law near completion and will go to Parliament. National consensus sought. National coordinator to hold both administrative and operational duties.**
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Two traffic accidents in Paralimni
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🚨 ROAD REPORT CY

🏥Patient referrals abroad: requests move to Health Insurance Organization from 2 Oct 2025
Ministry of Health announces that, as of 2 October 2025, responsibility for managing the referral of GeSY-entitled patients abroad for health services transfers to the Health Insurance Organization (HIO). Change applies solely to beneficiaries of the General Health System or those enrolled voluntarily. After that date, referral requests will be handled by HIO; Ministry keeps certain oversight functions and administrative duties during the transition. Authorities say the handover will be coordinated to maintain continuity of care and that procedural details will be communicated in advance.
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🎤Poll: Limassol too expensive — not worth staying, residents say
Street poll on TV: locals compare the city now with 10 years ago. Many note growth, more tourism and foreigners. Major complaints: very high rents — students can't find affordable rooms, "can't pay €1,000 for a studio", parents sacrifice to fund studies. Traffic and parking shortages, longer commutes. Concerns about crime, thefts and drugs; taxi drivers report aggression. Overall verdict: cost of living and mobility problems make staying in Limassol difficult and mentally draining.
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🇨🇾Andreas Pettemeridis appointed Commander of Presidential Guard
Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou announced the appointment on Thursday. Pettemeridis, a military officer, was seconded from the National Guard to the Police to assume command. Antoniou said the move is new for Cyprus but common abroad and stressed it is the President’s right to choose the guard chief; he is not aware of police protests. “He will be judged by his work,” Antoniou said. Pettemeridis is known for the Isaac–Solomon memorial initiative and as a former Commando Squadron commander; he witnessed the Solomos incident and has spoken of its lasting impact.
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🇪🇺Cyprus Tops EU in Asylum Seeker Relocations
Cyprus says it has relocated over 3,000 asylum seekers to nine EU states from Aug 2022 to 17 Sep 2025. The island records the highest relocation rate among five frontline Mediterranean countries in the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism. Total relocations: 3,006, of which 2,913 occurred since Mar 2023. Operation run with the European Commission, EUAA and IOM, with focus on vulnerable people, families, people with disabilities and unaccompanied children. Funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. Cyprus will continue cooperating to ensure safe, legal procedures and relieve reception facilities.
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🪧OSCE: New law on public assemblies features disproportionate penalties and arbitrary limits
Irene Charalambidou requested a legal opinion from OSCE/ODIHR on the government's Public Assemblies and Parades Law, passed by the House on 10 July 2025 with 17 MPs against. The 30‑page opinion finds problematic provisions, saying the law fails to reflect the State’s duty to protect, respect and facilitate peaceful assembly and free expression. ODIHR proposes specific corrective amendments. Charalambidou will seek a meeting with the Justice Minister, table amendments in parliament and invited ODIHR legal experts to brief lawmakers.
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🚘Paphos: Car fell from two‑metre embankment, driver slightly injured
Accident reported in Paphos, Diplarcatsia area a short time ago. Under unclear circumstances a car driven by a woman moved abruptly forward and went over a two‑metre low wall. Vehicle landed on a side ramp of a bakery that leads to the basement. Emergency crews attended and an ambulance was dispatched mainly as a precaution. The female driver sustained minor leg injuries, received on‑site treatment and was not seriously hurt. No other injuries; local traffic briefly affected while scene examined.
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Kaïmakli: Intoxicated man with hunting firearm prompts midday disturbance
Around 12:30 today in the Kaïmakli area of Nicosia, an intoxicated Greek Cypriot male moved through streets brandishing a hunting firearm and issuing threats. Residents and passersby raised the alert; patrols from the Police Z unit responded quickly and detained the man on site. No injuries were reported. Officers secured the firearm and took the suspect into custody for questioning and assessment. Local businesses briefly avoided the immediate area. Police continue enquiries into motives and possible charges.
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⚙️BoC Fintech Hackathon 6.0 — Open Day announced
Remote Open Day Tuesday 23 September 2025, 17:30. Presentation of objectives, thematic areas and hackathon process. Open to developers, startups, professionals, students, mentors, data providers and communication sponsors. Themes: Fintech Everywhere — social innovation, sustainability and smart cities. Aim: create innovative fintech solutions up to MVP stage with prospects for further development. Speakers include Bank of Cyprus, Crowdpolicy, Jinius, Municipality of Nicosia, IBM and Microsoft. Q&A included. Registration open via BoC Hackathon channels. Organized by Bank of Cyprus with Crowdpolicy support.
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🇪🇺Cyprus relocates over 3,000 asylum seekers to EU
From Aug 2022 to 17 Sep 2025 Cyprus relocated 3,006 asylum seekers to nine EU member states under the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism, with 2,913 transfers since Mar 2023. Operations run in coordination with the European Commission and with support from the EU Agency for Asylum and IOM; EUAA held briefing sessions and secured informed consent. Vulnerable people, families and unaccompanied children included. Funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. Authorities say the move eases pressure on reception facilities and upholds applicants’ rights.
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🏛️ Ministry denies report on B' allocation for Cypriot students
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth denies today's newspaper claim that Greece's Ministry of Education has taken a political decision to approve a second allocation for Cypriot students to Greek universities. The Ministry says it has received no official notification of such a decision. Greece's ministry has reportedly confirmed the measure does not apply. If such a development occurs, the public will be informed promptly. The Ministry asks media and citizens to rely on its official announcements.
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