📚Over 12,000 attend 10th Nicosia Book Fest
Nicosia Book Fest ended with more than 12,000 visitors; next edition set for October 2026 aiming to offer a more dynamic experience to readers, creators and book professionals. Held at Acropolis Park in Nicosia, the festival brought together hundreds of authors, publishers and bookstores from Cyprus and abroad and featured over 80 events, presentations and discussions for all ages. Founded in 2016 by the Prometheus Research Institute, it has grown into a lively meeting point for books, knowledge and culture, with organisers thanking the hundreds of volunteers and the public for their ongoing support.
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🤝Tatar-Erhürman debate to proceed before "illegal" elections
Debate between Ersin Tatar and Tufan Erhürman will go ahead after reports of cancellation. Complaint filed by independent Mehmet Hasgyuler and the Socialist Party (KSP) led the "Supreme Electoral Council" to rule on unequal treatment. Meriem Ozkurt, director of the unrecognized "Bayrak", said candidates have received equal coverage for over a month and released this week's schedule. Monday: Erhürman on "Elections 2025". Tuesday: Tatar. Wednesday: party secretaries-general. Thursday: special show with all candidates. Friday: special show with the two main contenders. Eight candidates participate in total; six are independents.
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Karpasia schools under intimidation, MPs say
Parliamentary committee: occupied Karpasia villages under intimidation. Students forced to meet Ministry inspectors in cafés. Restrictions by occupying authorities block inspections and hinder education. Minister Michaelidou says ministry will change staffing and operational rules; European Parliament has shown interest. Community leaders and teachers urge reform of teacher appointments. Karpasia has four teachers, one kindergarten teacher and no principal. Kormakitis seeks inclusion in national appointment system. Officials call for split hiring of local and external teachers and incentives for principals. Session continued behind closed doors.
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📝Cyprus risks repeating a costly mistake
In the 1980s Cyprus rejected submarine internet cables to protect a monopoly and paid decades of expensive, inefficient telecoms. Now energy faces similar delays as an oligopoly resists competition. AI will spike demand; one data centre could use 20–25% of current power. The Great Sea Interconnector debate stalled; Cyprus’ ~1bn share contested while EU and Greece offer funds. Past leaders took hard choices; recent political theatre almost split unity, then licences were quietly transferred. Risk: repeat the past — costly power and stunted growth.
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🗣️Denktas flags risks in electronic vote counting
Serdar Denktas, leader of TAM, said the Oct 19 illegal elections in the occupied areas use digital vote transfer vulnerable to remote interference and potential electoral fraud; demanded safeguards, noted law forbids hand recounts and said he will sue if his vote is altered.
He accused strategists of polarising the federation vs two‑state debate, called federation unlikely, urged post‑Oct 20 focus on economy, prices, corruption and property slump.
Defended guarantee treaties and Turkish troops as security; criticized using the declaration of independence as a campaign tool.
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🛠️ETEK ready to assist Gaza reconstruction
ETEK notified the President of Cyprus of its readiness to support reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. President Konstantinos Konstantinou says the chamber closely follows the Cypriot Presidency initiative and has sent a letter to President Nikos Christodoulides offering assistance. As the state’s statutory technical adviser, ETEK has the scientific and professional capacity to help. It offers cooperation with state services via committees, technical teams or scientific support in planning and implementation, aiming to highlight Cyprus as a bridge of peace, expertise and stability.
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🗣️Leisure Centres Bill: Owners' Association Calls for Re-examination
SIKAA urges authorities to seek views of all leisure-centre owners on the proposed Tourism Ministry bill. Says some provisions require re-evaluation, notably operating hours for venues defined as dining spaces, with emphasis on fair treatment and sector and public interests. Distances itself from exaggerated, catastrophic rhetoric that rejects the bill outright. Notes positive measures: reduced bureaucracy, simplified licensing and categorisation, removal of outdated rules. Calls to avoid blanket dismissal and pursue inclusive, measured debate.
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📱Phones banned in prisons — stricter penalties and fines
Cabinet approves strict Justice Ministry bill to curb mobiles in Central Prisons.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsziotis says the amendment will help prevent and tackle crime and preserve order.
Bill: inmates or visitors caught with a mobile face 2 years imprisonment and €6,000 fine.
Prison staff found bringing in or removing phones face 3 years and €10,000 fine.
New law is separate from a planned mobile‑disabling system being developed with the Transport Ministry.
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🚨Teen arrested after chase in stolen Mercedes; drugs seized
15/10/2025 12:45 — Z‑team officer spotted a Mercedes reported stolen on 14/10. Driver ignored stop signal, sped off; motorcycle unit pursued. Vehicle hit a passing car on Praxitelous Street, then a house wall and stopped. Driver fled on foot, was chased and detained. Identified as a 17‑year‑old Limassol resident. At TAE checks revealed outstanding warrant for night burglary and theft of €580 (reported 28/09/25); re‑arrested and held. Body search found a glass smoking pipe with residue resembling methamphetamine and a 12 g packet of mixed cannabis. NARCO test positive for amphetamine/methamphetamine. Warrant for car theft executed later. Suspect questioned under juvenile law. TAE, Anti‑Narcotics Unit and Traffic Police continue investigations.
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🚨13-year-old Giorgos Missing in Geri🚨
Police seek information on Giorgos Christodoulides, 13, missing since 15/10/2025 from his residence in Geri. He is slender, approximately 1.70 m tall, with short chestnut hair. Last seen wearing black shorts and a black short-sleeved T-shirt. Family is worried; local police units and CID are conducting searches and enquiries. Members of the public with any sightings, photos or tips are urged to contact Nicosia CID (TAE) at 22 802222, the nearest police station or the Citizen Line at 1460.
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🎤Stephanou: AKEL's support in elections is power for social progress
AKEL leader Stefanos Stephanou, at a Limassol event, urged voters to strengthen AKEL in parliamentary elections as "power for progress". He said many Cypriots struggle with housing, rising costs, inequality and insecurity despite government growth claims. AKEL offers measures: cut VAT on electricity, tax bank and energy windfalls, curb foreign land buying, tax large property and wealth, postpone green levies until infrastructure ready. A strong AKEL also pushes for reunification and refugees' return.
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🔥Vehicle of 37-year-old Catches Fire in Paphos; Scene Sealed
Paphos, pre-dawn — Report received at about 03:50 for fire on Herakleous Street involving a 37-year-old’s vehicle. Police and firefighters rushed to the scene and extinguished the blaze before it spread to the surroundings, though the car suffered extensive damage. No injuries have been reported. The area has been cordoned off for forensic and fire service examinations. Investigators will examine the remains of the vehicle to establish the cause; inquiries remain ongoing.
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💡⚡️Why power keeps failing in Cyprus and how areas are selected
Wednesday morning power cuts hit Cyprus after a technical fault in the EAC generation system. Giorgos Kyriakou, president of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association, said a generator problem forced operators to take some areas offline, leaving them without electricity. Priority is given to essential services — police stations, hospitals, clinics, presidential offices — which are last to be disconnected; non‑critical districts are cut first. Generator faults are normal, can happen to any operator and do not necessarily reflect system age. The association urges maintenance and contingency planning.
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🎤New Pediatric Oncology Clinic to Stand Beside Makarios — Signatures Friday
President announces clinic at opening of "Nikolas Theologou — In memory of children lost to cancer" park in Lakatamia. Park dedicated to children, offers play, sport and community space. Cancer registry 2018–2022: avg 22 cases/year up to 14, 15 cases/year ages 15–19; underlines need for early diagnosis, research and family support. Cyprus has a tertiary paediatric unit at Makarios; new clinic, backed by a €10m philanthropic donation, will be built next to the hospital to upgrade care. State will support transfers abroad and escorts. Local authorities, church and charities praised the joint effort.
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📝Cyprus reaffirms commitment to UN human rights pillar
Cyprus told the 80th UN General Assembly, in dialogue with High Commissioner Volker Türk, that it fully backs strengthening the UN human rights system. Permanent Representative Maria Michail said Cyprus, as a Human Rights Council member, values steady, constructive cooperation with the Office and seeks deeper exchanges. Nicosia urged adequate funding so treaty bodies, special procedures and investigative mechanisms can fulfil mandates. Cyprus has raised its voluntary contributions and will continue to do so, reaffirming support for multilateralism and the duty to respect, protect and promote human rights for all.
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👮17-year-old arrested in Limassol after chase; stolen car and drugs seized
At 12:45 police spotted a car reported stolen the day before. Driver ignored stop signal, led officers on a pursuit, collided with a passing vehicle and hit a house wall. He tried to flee on foot but was detained; identified as a 17-year-old Limassol resident. An outstanding warrant links him to a Sept. 28 night burglary where €580 was taken. Search found a glass pipe with burnt residue and a clear bag with 12 g mixed cannabis; preliminary drug test positive. Held and questioned under juvenile law. Inquiries continue by TAE Limassol with anti‑narcotics and traffic units.
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🚌Parents: No Troublemakers on School Buses
Loizos Konstantinou, president of the Secondary Education Parents Federation, says mechanisms exist but must be activated. Ministers pledged penalties after a Transport Ministry meeting.

Meeting with Transport and Education ministers, parent federations and police addressed rising incidents of violence, vandalism and misconduct on certain student routes that forced service suspensions.

Konstantinou: those who damage property or endanger others must face school discipline and, if proven, parents should pay. Schools must identify offenders, approved cameras on buses must be activated, police must act swiftly and buses immobilised when necessary. Cooperation of parents, schools and authorities is essential.
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🏅Government releases new video on voluntary female enlistment
Nicosia — Low turnout so far for voluntary enlistment of women in the National Guard. Press and Information Office posted a short video on its official account to boost interest and explain options. Defence Ministry says it will make the scheme more attractive and accessible to increase participation. Video presents roles, training, benefits, testimonies from serving women, and practical application details. Officials stress voluntary nature, equal opportunities and promise further updates via official channels.
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📝Road Safety Week 2025 — Press Conference
ERB Asfalistiki and Cyprus Police Traffic Dept co‑host 26th Road Safety Week, 13–19 Oct 2025. Press briefing 13 Oct at Traffic Education Park. Speakers: Minister Alexis Vafeadis; Justice rep Charalambos Antoniou; Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis; Traffic Director Haris Evripidou; ERB execs Takis Feidia, Andreas K. Stylianou. All stressed responsibility, traffic‑law compliance and respect for all road users. Campaign motto: “Don't let our dreams become wreckage.” Programme: three 3D training videos; public event 18 Oct at Nicosia Mall 10:00–14:00 with exhibits, demos, children’s workshop, simulation goggles; nationwide distribution of reflective vests; radio and social media outreach. Under patronage of Justice Minister Marios Chartsiotis.
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🏞️🚫Works at Pedagogical Academy Park — Playground Closed, Works through November
The Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment informs the public that during October and November works will take place in the National Forest Parks Pedagogical Academy of Cyprus and Athalassa. Works include maintenance of playground surfacing, starting at the Pedagogical Academy playground — playgrounds closed for public safety during works; flood-control interventions around the Pedagogical Academy lake under the holistic water management plan; forestry measures to improve fire protection along the river from the Aluminum Tower lights to the bridge on the road to Aglantzia Gymnasium. Visitors must follow Department instructions.
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