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12° Nicosia,
03 February, 2025
 
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A week in Cyprus: Broken promises, electricity woes, and a Valentine’s Day summit?

From recycled pledges to electricity woes and a potential February 14th meeting between Christodoulides and Tatar, Cyprus had another week full of twists, turns, and… irony.

Onasagoras

Onasagoras

The government keeps repeating the same promises, but according to DISY, that won’t be enough to convince the public. But why not? Repetition helps people absorb information, right? At least that’s what the ancient Geroskipians used to say. And let’s face it, repetition will also help citizens memorize both the projects that will actually happen and those that will remain... well, just words.

Some critics complained that our young President Nikos failed to address the soaring cost of living that has crippled many households. But I’m with the President on this one—why bring up depressing topics that would only upset people? Let’s focus on the positives instead! For example, we learned that someday—because the exact timing is irrelevant—the Paphos-Polis highway will be built. Why dwell on trivial details, like the fact that the cost has skyrocketed past €330 million, way beyond the original budget? Friends, it’s not about the money (there’s plenty of that to go around); it’s about good intentions and positive vibes. Don’t be so pessimistic—just ask Madame Sousou.

Something felt off this week. The Justice Minister didn’t send out his usual “strong message” about corruption...We didn’t even have a single prison break or a police officer suspended

An Unusual Week: No Escapes, No Suspended Officers?

Something felt off this week. The Justice Minister didn’t send out his usual “strong message” about corruption being absolutely intolerable. We didn’t even have a single prison break or a police officer suspended for misconduct. Hopefully, all will return to normal next week so we can get back to our usual routine.

A Valentine’s Date for Tatar and Christodoulides?

Ersin Tatar has declared that his meeting with Nikos Christodoulides will take place on February 7 or 8. But why not push it to February 14? That way, it could double as a confidence-building measure and a Valentine’s Day celebration.

Electricity Prices: A Yearly Broken Promise

Energy Minister Papastasiou now admits that electricity prices won’t be coming down in 2025. That’s quite the plot twist, considering he had previously assured us of price cuts in 2023 (which never happened) and again in 2024 (which, surprise, also didn’t happen). This year, however, he’s gone for a bold new approach: telling the truth.

Maybe it’s time for a radical change—how about actually making the "Solar Panels for All" initiative available to… well, everyone? Since the government borrowed the slogan from this very column, maybe they could implement the idea too? Just a wild thought. Hopefully, by the next State of the Union address, we’ll hear something positive about electricity for a change.

The EAC’s Latest Power Play

Meanwhile, our old friends at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) continue playing their usual tricks at the consumers’ expense. They always find an excuse to prevent solar panel owners from fully benefiting from their own production—whether it’s system failures, infrastructure issues, or the lack of storage capacity. The result? Wasted energy, higher bills, and frustrated customers. This is a relationship that electrifies Cypriot wallets but never actually generates enough power.

Oddly enough, out of the 80 grand promises made by the government, there was no mention of tackling the sinful EAC. Once it became clear that a proper reform of the organization couldn’t happen without the political backing of “little Nikos,” the scandalous practices of the past simply continued.

Mr. President, do you really know what’s going on behind the scenes, or are the EAC’s masterminds keeping you in the dark? At the very least, can we confirm that the solar panels at the Presidential Palace are working properly?

The Little House in… Livadia?

Netflix is set to release a remake of the classic 1970s series Little House on the Prairie. Maybe Cyprus should follow suit with a reboot of an old local favorite—perhaps The Solomou Family—rebranded as The Little House in Livadia. Why Livadia? First, it sounds like Prairie when translated. Second, a certain leader and influencer from the neighboring village of Troulloi would definitely promote it.

Church and Finance: A Holy Investigation

The case file concerning alleged financial misconduct by the Bishop of Tamassos (based on accusations from former monks of Avvakoum Monastery) keeps bouncing between the Police and the Legal Service, as certain aspects need clarification. A decision on whether to take the case to court is expected in February.

Hopefully, not on the 14th—because, you know, love conquers all.

*This article was translated ffrom its Greek original

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