CLOSE
Loading...
12° Nicosia,
22 July, 2025
 

News Stream

Create a 'superministry' to reduce bureaucracy

Create a 'superministry' to reduce bureaucracy

In Cyprus, the proliferation of committees, excessive bureaucracy, and overlapping responsibilities of high-ranking officials have reached unprecedented levels, especially when problems are on the rise....

Can vital debates survive a 20-minute showdown?

Can vital debates survive a 20-minute showdown?

How meaningful can an in-depth debate on a crucial topic occur in just 20 minutes?...

Abraham’s Tinderbox

Abraham’s Tinderbox

I’ll begin by clearly condemning Hamas and its terrorist thugs and express grief at the horrors inflicted on innocent Israeli civilians on 7 October....

Michalis Persianis: 'The wet firecracker'

Michalis Persianis: 'The wet firecracker'

The Cyprus Confidential revelations turned out to be a 'petard mouille', a wet firecracker failing to generate the anticipated excitement. This disappointment surpassed the one we experienced when we photographed accountants, politicians, lawyers, and bankers up to their chests while in the nude....

An 'eye for an eye' and the elimination of terrorism

An 'eye for an eye' and the elimination of terrorism

Since October 7, we've been witnessing the war between Israel and Hamas live, minute by minute, on our screens. Unfortunately, it's not a film....

Traffic woes make Nicosia's core the key to urban transformation

Traffic woes make Nicosia's core the key to urban transformation

Traffic is one of the most pressing issues that need resolution. While all cities face similar problems, Nicosia leads the pack. Focusing on Nicosia, the state's main effort is concentrated on developing the regional road network—an effort I not only agree with but advocate for intensifying. ...

UN chief's controversial view on Cyprus unity

UN chief's controversial view on Cyprus unity

In a recent interview, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNFICYP, Colin Stewart, referred to the fact that his country of origin, Canada, has a French-speaking Prime Minister, despite the fact that French-speakers make up 25% of the population, in order to show that ethnic and linguistic differences are being addressed and over time will not pose a threat to the unity of the country....

From ill-considered posts to digital faux pas

From ill-considered posts to digital faux pas

In the Cypriot digital political arena of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and lately, TikTok, national anniversaries, the Cyprus issue, and other significant events in a historical context or related to tumultuous international developments have perennially been fertile ground for blunders. ...

Murders shake Cyprus, prompting reflection on crime and leadership

Murders shake Cyprus, prompting reflection on crime and leadership

In a shocking turn of events, two murders occurred within a span of just a few hours, stealing the limelight from the ongoing turmoil in neighboring Israel and evoking grim memories of times long past. ...

Tensions escalate as Aphrodite field negotiations reach breaking point

Tensions escalate as Aphrodite field negotiations reach breaking point

The final phase of negotiations for the development of the Aphrodite field, led by Chevron's consortium in Block 12 and the Republic of Cyprus, is approaching its deadline, set by Nicosia for the commencement of FEED operations on the upcoming Sunday, November 5....

Cyprus: Where pizza delivery outpaces the police, and hitmen deliver efficiently

Cyprus: Where pizza delivery outpaces the police, and hitmen deliver efficiently

I read that after the two recent murders, there are fears of a vendetta and further bloodshed. But don't worry people. Our police have no such information, so we can all sleep soundly. ...

In the face of unions and GESY, where are our politicians?

In the face of unions and GESY, where are our politicians?

The conflict between OKYpY and guilds is an undeniably political matter. It should be addressed as such if we wish to identify the political figures involved. ...

Turkey, the most unreliable ally of the West

Turkey, the most unreliable ally of the West

The latest developments in the Middle East after the terrorist actions of Hamas and the reaction of Israel have proven once again that Turkey does not want and does not belong to the Western alliance. Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to align himself with the extremist Islamists of Hamas and Iran clearly shows where the country is heading....

The Queen is naked

The Queen is naked

The fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen about the king who believed he was wearing splendid clothes while, in reality, he was naked, seems to be a fitting analogy for the situation of the European Union and its external policy....

Democracy is ailing because we are failing it

Democracy is ailing because we are failing it

Interestingly, here as in the rest of Europe, the big ''winner'' of what happened after October 7 in Israel is one and only. The far right....

Unmasking the mystery of the Al-Ahli hospital attack in Gaza

Unmasking the mystery of the Al-Ahli hospital attack in Gaza

"Who is Responsible for the Attack on Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza?...

Finding common ground in a divided world

Finding common ground in a divided world

Being skeptical in the face of a lack of evidence is legitimate, acceptable, and ethically justified. ...

Biden's mission in the Middle East

Biden's mission in the Middle East

US President Joe Biden may be advanced in age, and there are ongoing concerns within his team regarding the risks of a literal stumble that could potentially harm his image. ...

Cyprus urges a serious approach to Middle East crisis

Cyprus urges a serious approach to Middle East crisis

The war in the Middle East, triggered by a heinous and barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas last Saturday, is a situation that Cyprus is unfortunately familiar with....

Real estate market remains unpredictable despite economic chaos

Real estate market remains unpredictable despite economic chaos

Everything around us exudes a sense of precision. Costs are on the rise, from the basic materials used in production to the final products we consume. ...

The big picture

The big picture

With whom do we stand? Could it be that this question circulates, covertly or overtly, in the aftermath of the atrocities we've witnessed?...

The surge of violence in the Middle East

The surge of violence in the Middle East

The latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing Arab-Israeli dispute....

Foreign company hired to clean Cyprus' reputation – but is it really dirty?

Foreign company hired to clean Cyprus' reputation – but is it really dirty?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assigned a foreign company the Herculean task of orchestrating a campaign to cleanse Cyprus' tarnished reputation abroad....

Cyprus' solar ambitions face off against shadowy bureaucratic interests

Cyprus' solar ambitions face off against shadowy bureaucratic interests

As I had unfortunately predicted, complications have emerged in the "Solar Panels for All" plan. ...

Navigating the complexities of Israel, Ukraine, and history

Navigating the complexities of Israel, Ukraine, and history

When Russia invaded Ukraine, the West adopted the motto "on the right side of history" to justify its support for Ukraine against Moscow's occupation....

Sales surge by 14.2% despite 2022 comparison

Sales surge by 14.2% despite 2022 comparison

In September, traditionally considered the start of the year for many, several significant trends are emerging....

Cyprus in need of a literary renaissance

Cyprus in need of a literary renaissance

From this column, we've emphasized numerous times the pressing need for substantial state support within the book sector....

Politics in the age of virality

Politics in the age of virality

Stephanos Kasselakis' recent visit to Cyprus and his carefully crafted statements following his meeting with the President of the Republic have highlighted a significant shift in politics. It seems that politics today can be reduced to a formula, easily memorized and executed....

The overtime pay debacle and lessons in effective governance

The overtime pay debacle and lessons in effective governance

The issue surrounding the payment of overtime compensation to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Doxa Komodromou, has become the focal point of political discussion in recent weeks. ...

Cyprus politicians' perks and pensions - excessive or fair?

Cyprus politicians' perks and pensions - excessive or fair?

The political landscape in Cyprus is abuzz once again, as opposition parties seize yet another opportunity to level criticism at President Christodoulides. ...

X