🏛 Annita Demetriou Re-elected Speaker of the Cyprus Parliament
DISY leader Annita Demetriou has retained her position as Speaker of the House of Representatives after winning the second round of voting during the first session of the newly elected Parliament on 4 June.

🗳 How were the votes distributed?

In the second round, Demetriou secured the 29 votes required for victory, while AKEL leader Stefanos Stefanou received the support of 19 MPs.

Demetriou was backed by:

▪️ 17 DISY MPs;

▪️ 8 DIKO MPs;

▪️ 4 MPs from Direct Democracy Cyprus.

The ELAM party abstained in the second round.

Four candidates competed in the first round. Demetriou received 21 votes, Stefanou 19, while DIKO leader Nicolas Papadopoulos and ELAM leader Christos Christou each secured eight votes and were eliminated from the race.

📋 First election under the new rules

This was the first parliamentary speaker election conducted using a new voting system and electronic vote-counting procedures.

To win in the first round, a candidate needed an absolute majority of at least 29 votes from the 56-member House. As no candidate reached that threshold, a second round was held between the two leading contenders.

🎤 What did Demetriou say?

Following her re-election, she thanked colleagues for their support and stressed that Parliament must work in the interests of all citizens.

According to Demetriou, MPs represent not only their voters but Cypriot society as a whole.

👩‍⚖️ The first woman Speaker

Annita Demetriou first became Speaker of Parliament in June 2021, making history as both the first woman and the youngest person ever to hold the position in the Republic of Cyprus.

She has represented the Larnaca district in Parliament since 2016 and became leader of DISY in 2023.

During her first term, Demetriou actively promoted the modernisation and digitalisation of Parliament, including the expansion of electronic services and online broadcasting of parliamentary sessions.
🇨🇾 The position of Speaker of the House of Representatives is considered the second-highest constitutional office in Cyprus after the President. Under certain circumstances, the Speaker may temporarily assume the duties of Head of State.
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⚖️ Cyprus Police: High-Profile “Santi Case” Found to Be Based on Fabricated Messages
Cyprus Police have announced the conclusion of their investigation into the so-called “Santi case”, one of the most widely discussed scandals in the country in recent months.

📌 Following the investigation, police stated that they found no evidence supporting allegations made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis against a number of politicians, judges and other public figures.

According to investigators:

▪️ the disputed messages were fabricated;

▪️ allegations of corruption, blackmail, surveillance and wiretapping were not substantiated;

▪️ no evidence was found of the alleged “secret network of influence” described in the reports.

🔍 The investigation concluded that the messages had been falsified.

According to police, a woman known by the pseudonym “Santi” demonstrated to investigators how fake messages could be created using a mobile application and admitted that part of the correspondence had been invented.

Europol also reportedly found no evidence supporting the existence of several message exchanges cited in the published allegations.

🚨 The criminal investigation will now focus on the creation and distribution of the fabricated messages, as well as related publications.

🗣 Makarios Drousiotis has strongly rejected the police findings.

The journalist said he does not believe that a single individual could have independently created hundreds of messages and maintains that his reports were based on genuine information gathered through years of investigation.

📚 The controversy began in March 2026 following the publication of reports containing allegations involving former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, former judges and other prominent figures.
The case remained one of the most debated issues in Cyprus’ political and legal spheres for several months.
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🥔 Which Potato Varieties Performed Best in Cyprus in 2026?
Despite a challenging growing season marked by rain, low temperatures and strong winds, several potato varieties delivered strong yields and demonstrated excellent resilience under Cyprus conditions.

The findings were reported by Dutch potato breeder Agrico and its Cypriot partner Optimus Land following inspections of commercial and trial plantings across the island.

📈 Top-performing varieties of the season:

▪️ Babylon;

▪️ Vogue;

▪️ Paradiso;

▪️ Fajah.

According to Agrico, these varieties achieved high yields, produced quality tubers and maintained good skin finish despite difficult weather conditions.

🌱 The following varieties also showed strong results:

▪️ Jacky;

▪️ Jolene.

Farmers highlighted their reliability and consistently stable production.

🔬 Among the new varieties currently being tested in Cyprus, three stood out in particular:

▪️ Feliz;

▪️ Jamaica;

▪️ Sivas.

Company representatives said these varieties exceeded expectations and demonstrated strong adaptability to local growing conditions.
☀️ Crop resilience is becoming increasingly important for Cyprus. The island’s agricultural sector regularly faces droughts, extreme heat and rapidly changing weather patterns, making the selection of adaptable varieties a key factor for future production.
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🎨 Cleantous Foundation Supports Art Therapy Programme for Teenagers at Makarios Hospital
The Cleantous Foundation has funded a series of art therapy sessions for teenagers receiving treatment at the Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Care Unit (T.E.N.E.) of Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia.

🖌 The sessions are being led by two qualified art therapists.

Art therapy is widely recognised around the world as an effective tool for supporting adolescent mental health. It helps young people express emotions safely, cope with stress, develop communication skills and strengthen their emotional well-being.

🌈 Through creativity, drawing and working with colours, teenagers are given the opportunity to explore their feelings, improve communication and find emotional support during treatment.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The initiative has a positive impact not only on the patients themselves but also on their families, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to child and adolescent mental health care.

🤝 The Foundation stated that supporting projects focused on the health and well-being of children remains one of its key priorities.
Programmes like this help make treatment more humane, supportive and effective for young patients.
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💻 Cyprus Launches Online Residence Permit Renewals: What Has Changed for Foreign Residents
Cyprus’ Migration Department has begun testing a new online service that allows certain types of residence permits to be renewed electronically through the government’s CY Login platform.

📌 Which permits can now be renewed online?

▪️ residence permits for employed workers who remain with the same employer;

▪️ residence permits for domestic workers;

▪️ residence permits for employees of foreign interest companies;

▪️ residence permits for spouses and dependent children of such employees;

▪️ long-term residence permits.

⚠️ The service currently applies only to the renewal of existing permits. Initial applications must still be submitted through the standard procedures.

👤 Who can use the service?

▪️ third-country nationals;

▪️ employers;

▪️ authorised representatives.

A verified CY Login account is required.

📨 Individuals interested in participating in the pilot programme can submit their contact details to:

[email protected]

🏛️ Traditional submission methods remain available, as the online platform is still operating in a pilot phase.

⏳ Residence permit applications and renewals currently take approximately four months to process.

Temporary residence permits are subject to:

▪️ a €70 issuance fee;

▪️ an additional €70 registration fee in the Aliens Register for first-time applicants.

📱 The new online system is expected to reduce queues, minimise visits to migration offices and speed up application processing.

The digitalisation of migration services forms part of Cyprus’ broader programme to modernise public services.

Authorities are also preparing for the implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and integration with ETIAS, both of which are intended to streamline border controls and document processing for foreign nationals.
❕ As the project remains in its pilot stage, applicants are advised to continue planning around standard processing times and to monitor future announcements from the Migration Department.
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🔫 Limassol: Shots Fired at Company Office in Zakaki
Police in Limassol are investigating a serious incident after gunfire was reported at a company office in the Zakaki area.

According to preliminary information, employees arrived at work in the morning and discovered damage to the building. Police were subsequently called to the scene.

🚓 The area was cordoned off as investigators and law enforcement officers began examining the site.

Specialists are currently documenting the damage, collecting evidence and assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

📍 The motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Police are investigating who may have been responsible and whether the company was deliberately targeted.

The investigation is ongoing.
⚠️ Zakaki is one of Limassol’s fastest-growing districts, making incidents of this nature a matter of concern for both local residents and the business community.
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🚴‍♂️ Delivery Rider Spotted Cycling on a Cyprus Highway
A delivery rider was recently spotted travelling along a Cyprus highway on a bicycle, riding on the shoulder of the road with a delivery backpack on his back.

⚠️ Important: Cyclists are not permitted to use motorways or high-speed roads in Cyprus.

Such behaviour poses a serious risk not only to the cyclist but also to other road users.

Vehicles on motorways travel at high speeds, and any unexpected movement or manoeuvre can have tragic consequences.

📍 Cyclists are expected to use regular roads, designated cycling lanes and routes through urban or residential areas — not highways.
The message is simple: no delivery is worth risking a life. A motorway is not a place for a bicycle.
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🌤️ Paphos Forest Beneath a Sky That Looks Like a Movie Scene
A truly dramatic sky unfolded over the Paphos Forest — dense clouds, golden light and a landscape that simply makes you stop and admire the view.

In moments like these, it becomes clear that Cyprus is far more than just beaches and the sea.

🌲 The Paphos Forest can be just as captivating as the island’s coastline. Its tranquillity, mountain silhouettes, dense greenery and striking skies create a scene that feels almost unreal.
📍 A reminder once again of how breathtaking Cyprus can be when nature takes centre stage.
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🐄 Cyprus Tightens Measures Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Livestock to Be Culled Within 24 Hours and Fines Raised to €250,000
Cyprus has introduced new emergency measures to combat the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which has already affected 120 farms across the island.

📌 Key measures include:

▪️ livestock on farms with confirmed cases must be culled within 24 hours of official confirmation;

▪️ the nationwide accelerated vaccination campaign will continue;

▪️ controls on the movement of animals and animal products will be further strengthened;

▪️ police and the military will assist with inspections and enforcement of biosecurity measures.

💉 Vaccination progress

According to the authorities:

▪️ 84% of cattle have received a second vaccine dose;

▪️ 78% of goats and sheep have received a second dose;

▪️ 41% of pigs have been vaccinated.

⚠️ The government also plans to significantly increase penalties for violations:

▪️ administrative fines of up to €100,000;

▪️ court-imposed fines of up to €250,000.

Farmers had previously protested against the large-scale culling of livestock. However, following negotiations, they agreed to the destruction of animals on farms where the virus has been officially confirmed.
🦠 The outbreak in Cyprus involves the SAT-1 serotype, a strain of the foot-and-mouth disease virus that is rare in the Eastern Mediterranean region and against which local livestock have little or no natural immunity.
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⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 Comes to McDonald’s: Collectible Cups, Special Menu and Fan Rewards
Starting 9 June, McDonald’s is launching a special collection celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

🥤 Customers purchasing a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Meal will have the chance to receive one of six collectible cups featuring football legends:

▪️ David Beckham;

▪️ Ronaldinho;

▪️ Thierry Henry;

▪️ Son Heung-min;

▪️ Lamine Yamal;

▪️ and McDonald’s iconic character, Grimace.

🍔 The meal includes:

▪️ a choice of a Big Mac or 9 Chicken McNuggets;

▪️ French fries;

▪️ a soft drink;

▪️ a special Big Mac Sauce served in exclusive gold-themed packaging.

🍨 A limited-edition Golden Caramel Coconut McFlurry featuring caramel and crunchy coconut flakes will also be available for a limited time.

🎁 For younger fans, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Happy Meal will include one of 12 exclusive football-themed Squishmallows™ toys.

📱 Through the McDonald’s app, customers will be able to access special offers, rewards, bonus points and exclusive World Cup-themed promotions.

🌍 The campaign will run in McDonald’s restaurants worldwide as part of the global celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
⏳ The special menu items and collectible merchandise will be available for a limited time only.
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