Sunday, July 19, 2026
db75fbc7-6e6a-4217-9005-93f770aaf94c
| Summary | ⛅️ Clear until afternoon, returning in the evening. |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F) |
| Feels Like | Low: 78°F | High: 102°F |
| Humidity | 72% |
| Wind | 11 km/h (7 mph), Direction: 204° |
| Precipitation | Probability: 0%, Type: No precipitation expected |
| Sunrise / Sunset | 🌅 05:48 AM / 🌇 07:59 PM |
| Moon Phase | Waxing Crescent (19%) |
| Cloud Cover | 8% |
| Pressure | 1009.05 hPa |
| Dew Point | 72.29°F |
| Visibility | 5.82 miles |
Parliament’s rejection on Tuesday of legislation introducing a municipal waste landfill tax has left Cyprus facing the loss of €23 million in European funding.
The proposed tax would have introduced a charge of €10 per tonne of municipal waste sent to landfill until the end of next year, increasing by €5 per tonne annually from 2028 until reaching €70 per tonne.
The government argued that the measure was necessary to meet European environmental obligations and unlock funding from the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, the agriculture ministry said the rejection would prevent the disbursement of €23 million for waste management modernisation projects by local authorities, which together with national co-financing would have created resources of approximately €48 million.
The ministry said the current government had inherited “accumulated problems, serious infrastructure deficiencies and specific European commitments” and had reduced the proposed charge from an original €35 per tonne to €10 per tonne after consultations with the European Commission.
It argued that the cost to households would have been less than €1 per month, estimating an annual burden of around €10 per household in 2027.
“The current government took over a sector with accumulated problems,” the ministry said, adding that the plan had been presented to parliament and was being implemented with the assistance of specialised consultants, including the European Commission’s advisory body JASPERS.
However, opponents of the legislation argued that the tax would place the cost of failures in waste management on households and municipalities before the infrastructure required for recycling and waste separation had been created.
The Union of Municipalities welcomed the rejection, saying it confirmed its position that local authorities and the public should not bear the financial consequences of state failures in developing the necessary waste management systems.
“Local government and citizens cannot be expected to shoulder the burden of the state’s shortcomings in creating the necessary infrastructure and conditions for the effective management of waste,” the union said.
The municipalities argued that Cyprus was being asked to introduce a financial penalty system despite continuing reliance on landfills.
Around 68 per cent of municipal waste currently ends up in landfills, compared with the European Union target of reducing landfill use to 10 per cent by 2035.
The government presented the landfill tax as an environmental measure designed to change behaviour, arguing that higher landfill costs would encourage recycling and source separation through the “Pay as You Throw” system.
Opponents said that system should have been introduced first, allowing households to reduce their waste charges through better separation and recycling.
Disy MP Andreas Constantinou said the party had serious reservations because “Pay as You Throw” had not been implemented before the landfill tax.
He said the state carried “serious responsibilities” for failing to establish the conditions needed for the system to work.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Akel MP Nikos Kettiros described the proposed levy as a “government incompetence tax” rather than a green tax, arguing that Cyprus would continue sending waste to landfill even if the legislation passed.
“The infrastructure does not exist,” he said, arguing that the public were being asked to pay for failures they did not cause.
The debate over the landfill tax has also highlighted the wider difficulties surrounding the introduction of the “Pay as You Throw” system, which authorities had presented as a key mechanism for reducing waste and encouraging separation at source.
Although pilot schemes have operated in certain municipalities such as Aglandjia, the system has faced delays due to the lack of the infrastructure required to manage separate waste streams.
The scheme was designed around households purchasing specially issued bags for residual waste, with the aim of reducing the amount thrown away by rewarding residents who separate recyclable and organic material.
However, officials have warned that Cyprus still lacks the facilities needed to process the waste streams that such a system would generate.
“There is no existing infrastructure in the country for managing organic waste,” former House environment chairman Charalambos Theopemptou said.
He argued that households currently pay around €180 to €200 annually for waste management and that the incentive behind “Pay as You Throw” should be that those who sort their waste pay less.
“Logically, any proposed pay-as-you-throw fee ought to be lower than this amount, which is not looking feasible at present,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou told MPs that specially issued rubbish bags could cost households between €150 and €250 annually, acknowledging that the figure was “higher than what each household currently pays” for waste management.
She said the initial cost reflected the transition period before households began properly sorting waste at source.
Theopemptou said the country had six years since discussions on circular waste management began in 2018 to prepare the necessary foundations but that key elements remained incomplete.
Many communities still lack basic recycling infrastructure, including sorting bins, collection points and specialised vehicles for separate waste streams.
The system also relies heavily on the operation of Green Dot, which manages much of the island’s packaging recycling network.
Local officials have previously warned that Green Dot’s coverage has not historically extended equally across all areas, particularly communities outside municipal boundaries, where local authorities have had to arrange and finance recycling services themselves.
The planned expansion of recycling infrastructure remains part of current government efforts.
On Thursday, the agriculture ministry said Cyprus was developing a network of 36 Green Points and 50 Green Kiosks intended to manage bulky waste, electrical items and recyclable materials.
Twenty-six Green Points are currently operating, with additional facilities planned through state funding and Recovery and Resilience Plan resources.
The ministry said the kiosks were intended to serve mountainous and remote communities where collection services were more difficult to provide and that 20 of the 50 planned kiosks would include facilities for separate collection of bulky municipal waste.
It also said Green Dot was expected to receive renewed approval as a collective packaging waste system, with a condition requiring nationwide geographical coverage.
The government has also said it is strengthening oversight of producer responsibility rules, requiring companies placing packaged goods on the Cypriot market to participate in a collective system such as Green Dot or establish their own waste management arrangements.
Cyprus began developing waste management facilities after joining the European Union in 2004 and facing pressure to comply with European regulations restricting landfill use.
The first sanitary landfill facility was developed in Paphos in 2005, followed by the Koshi integrated waste management facility serving the Larnaca and Famagusta districts.
The Pentakomo waste treatment facility in Limassol was later developed as the main project for the region, designed to process municipal waste, recover recyclable materials and produce secondary fuel.
The controversy over Pentakomo has also brought renewed scrutiny of the decisions taken during the preparation of the project, including the tender process and the technical specifications used for the facility.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail prior, former Pentakomo operator Loizos Afxentiou placed part of the responsibility on decisions taken during the tendering stage, including those involving current Alma president Odysseas Michaelides, who at the time was director of the Tender Board at the Public Works Department.
Afxentiou alleged that Michaelides pushed for changes to the tender documents which allowed a lower-cost proposal to proceed, despite concerns raised by European experts regarding whether the facility would have a suitable outlet for the secondary fuel it was designed to produce.
“He is the one who reviewed and amended the tender documents, especially as regards the secondary fuel,” Afxentiou said, adding that European officials had urged changes to ensure the material produced by the plant could be disposed of.
Afxentiou argued that the decision contributed to later difficulties at Pentakomo, including the storage and eventual burial of secondary fuel produced by the facility.
The plant was intended to separate recyclable materials, process waste and produce secondary fuel as part of a wider circular economy approach.
“Cyprus screwed up big time” with waste management, he said, claiming that authorities failed to address problems identified during the development and operation of the facility.
He alleged that the state had not secured a buyer for the secondary fuel produced by Pentakomo, despite commitments made during the approval process.
The material was eventually stored at the facility and later buried, creating further controversy over whether the plant was being used in accordance with its original purpose.
Afxentiou also raised concerns over the quality of waste entering the facility, claiming industrial materials and unsuitable waste streams were contaminating municipal waste and affecting operations.
The government has disputed aspects of the criticism surrounding Pentakomo and has said steps are being taken to improve waste management operations, including the appointment of a new contractor expected to take over management of the facility by 2027.
The agriculture ministry said the government had secured additional funding for municipalities and expected future improvements in waste treatment capacity.
It said the rejection of the landfill tax did not cancel its waste management plans but removed resources intended to support local authorities.
“Today’s vote against does not cancel the government’s plan,” the ministry said.
The ministry has argued that the landfill tax was not intended simply as a revenue measure but as an environmental tool aimed at reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill.
According to government figures, increasing recycling and source separation would gradually reduce the quantities subject to taxation and support compliance with European targets.
Opposition parties have argued that the order of reforms was wrong, saying taxation should follow the creation of functioning recycling, sorting and processing systems.
They have pointed to the delays surrounding Pay as You Throw, the limited capacity of existing treatment facilities and the continued dependence on landfill as evidence that Cyprus introduced financial measures before completing the necessary groundwork.
If there’s one food experience every visitor to Cyprus should try, it’s a Cypriot meze. But here’s the first thing to know: it’s almost certainly more food than you’re expecting.
A traditional Cyprus meze isn’t a single dish or even a starter. It’s a leisurely shared meal made up of numerous small plates served over several courses, often lasting two or three hours. Depending on the taverna, you could be served anywhere from 15 to more than 30 dishes.
For first-time visitors, the biggest mistake is ordering extra food before the meze arrives. Don’t. Meze is designed to be the meal, and by the time the final dishes appear, you’ll understand why it’s one of the highlights of Cypriot cuisine.
Simply put, meze is Cyprus’ traditional style of shared dining. Rather than choosing individual main courses, everyone at the table enjoys a succession of small dishes prepared by the kitchen.
Unlike a fixed tasting menu, there is no single recipe for a traditional Cypriot meze. Every taverna has its own approach, with dishes varying according to the season, local ingredients and family recipes. The emphasis is on generosity, variety and taking your time.
Although it shares similarities with Greek meze and Spanish tapas, the Cypriot version is usually more substantial. It’s intended as a complete meal rather than a selection of appetisers or snacks.
To discover more about the island’s culinary traditions, see our guide to traditional Cypriot dishes:
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/12/09/traditional-cypriot-dishes-a-guide-to-the-most-popular-foods-in-cyprus
| Cypriot Meze | Greek Meze | Spanish Tapas |
|---|---|---|
| Full shared meal | Often starters with drinks | Ordered individually |
| Served in multiple courses | More flexible | Diners choose dishes |
| Built around hospitality | Sharing is common | Tapas can be a quick meal |
Perhaps the biggest difference is pace. A Cypriot meze isn’t rushed. Dishes arrive gradually allowing diners to enjoy conversation between courses rather than feeling pressured to finish everything at once.
There is no fixed menu, but most meze dishes begin with cold starters before moving on to hot dishes.
Typical cold dishes include fresh village bread, green olives, tahini, hummus, tzatziki and seasonal salads.
Cheese such as halloumi often follow, alongside grilled vegetables and local sausages.
The main courses vary depending on whether you’ve ordered a meat or seafood meze. A meat meze may include keftedes (meatballs), souvlaki, sheftalia, grilled pork, lamb chops and, in some tavernas, kleftiko or souvla.
A fish meze could feature octopus, calamari, prawns, grilled fish and other seafood depending on the day’s catch.
Meals usually end simply with seasonal fruit or traditional sweets rather than elaborate desserts.
No two tavernas serve exactly the same meze, which is part of the experience.
One of the biggest decisions is choosing between seafood and meat.
| Fish Meze | Meat Meze |
| Best in coastal villages | Common across the island |
| Fresh fish, octopus, prawns, calamari | Sheftalia, souvlaki, sausages, grilled meats |
| More expensive | Often better value |
| Ideal for seafood lovers | Perfect for traditional village tavernas |
If you’re visiting fishing villages such as Latchi or Zygi, seafood is often the obvious choice. Inland tavernas, particularly in the Troodos villages, tend to specialise in meat cooked over charcoal using long-established family recipes.
One of the pleasures of exploring traditional food in Cyprus is discovering how meze changes from one region to another.
Coastal tavernas naturally focus on fresh seafood, while mountain villages often showcase locally produced cheeses, seasonal vegetables and slow-cooked meat dishes. Wine-producing villages may include homemade preserves, local wines and recipes passed down through generations.
For that reason, there is no single “authentic” meze. Every family-run taverna brings its own traditions to the table.
This is one of the questions visitors ask most often.
A smaller meze might include around 15 dishes, while larger versions can easily exceed 25 or even 30 courses. That doesn’t mean 30 full plates of food. Many are tasting portions served gradually throughout the meal.
Even so, most visitors are surprised by just how generous the portions are.
In almost every case, yes.
Meze is usually ordered per person, with a minimum of two persons, but shared by everyone at the table. Resist the temptation to order extra starters, or extra salads before your meal begins—you’ll almost certainly regret it.
Instead, pace yourself. The food keeps coming, and what appears to be a modest beginning is only the first course.
Part of the enjoyment comes from slowing down. Locals don’t treat meze as a quick lunch before moving on to the next attraction.
Share everything, try a little of each dish and don’t worry if you can’t finish every plate. It’s perfectly acceptable to leave some food if you’ve genuinely had enough.
If you have allergies or dietary requirements, let the staff know before ordering. Many tavernas can prepare vegetarian versions, although the selection will vary.
There is no single “correct” drink to enjoy with a Cypriot meze, and the choice often depends on the type of food being served. For a meat meze, many locals opt for a cold local beer or a bottle of Cypriot red or rosé wine, while a crisp white wine pairs well with fish meze.
For a more traditional experience, you may try zivania. Served in small (shot) glasses it can sipped slowly or in one gulp, preferably the former especially if it is the first time you are trying it.
Zivania is a grape spirit with a high alcohol content (40%-50%) Cyprus’ clear grape spirit. It is made by distilling the pomace (grape skins, pulp and seeds) left over after winemaking, similar in concept to Italian grappa or Greek tsipouro, but with its own distinctive character.
Whatever you choose, remember that meze is a long, leisurely meal, so drinks are best enjoyed at the same relaxed pace as the food.
Rather than looking for the busiest restaurant in a tourist area, seek out a traditional taverna where local families gather, particularly at weekends.
Some of the island’s best meze is found in village tavernas, mountain communities and small coastal fishing villages, where recipes have often been passed down through generations. If the dining room is filled with Cypriot families that’s usually a good sign.
More than just a meal, Cypriot meze is an expression of the island’s hospitality. It’s about gathering around a table, sharing whatever arrives from the kitchen and enjoying good company as much as the food itself. You may not remember every individual dish, but you’ll almost certainly remember the experience—and you’ll almost certainly leave feeling very full.
Cyprus is expediting the development of central electricity storage systems after a decision by the Transmission System Operator (TSO) to establish storage infrastructure alongside private sector projects.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, the initiative aims to strengthen the reliability of the electricity network and support the wider transition towards renewable energy.
The TSO has already issued preliminary connection terms to private investors for stand-alone storage systems with a combined power capacity exceeding 200 MW and storage capacity of around 500 MWh.
Connection terms have also been issued for private hybrid solar and battery systems with 29 MW of power and approximately 100 MWh capacity.
The TSO said electricity storage is particularly important for Cyprus due to its isolated electricity network and the increasing contribution of renewable energy sources.
Without storage capacity, excess renewable energy produced during periods of high generation, particularly midday hours, can be lost.
The electricity grid itself remains exposed to fluctuations caused by weather conditions and changes in demand, adding that storage would help manage these challenges.
Following a decision by the energy regulatory authority approving the development and management of privately owned storage facilities integrated into the transmission network, the TSO awarded a tender for the supply and installation of three storage systems with a combined capacity of 120 MW and 400 MWh.
The units will operate in the public interest by improving network stability, absorbing excess renewable energy during periods of high production and returning electricity to the system during periods of increased demand.
The TSO said the operating framework for the units is still being developed, with priority to be given to privately operated storage facilities participating commercially in the electricity market.
The transfer of the TSO facilities to third parties will reportedly take place through an open tender process once Cyprus completes its electrical interconnection with other member states.
Former Edek president Nikos Anastasiou has become the first political figure to lose his police escort as part of a wider review of security arrangements for politicians and state officials.
According to Phileleftheros, the three police officers assigned to Anastasiou’s personal protection will be transferred to other police services from Monday, following his resignation from the party leadership.
The move comes as Justice Minister Costas Fitiris proceeds with a review of the system for granting police protection to current and former officials.
The review was announced in June after the minister instructed the police security committee to reassess existing risk evaluations.
According to the same report in Phileleftheros, the possible suspension of protection for former Diko president Marios Garoyian is also being examined, while no new escort is expected to be assigned to the next Edek leader.
Moreover the article stipulates that proposals are also being considered regarding the removal of police escorts assigned to former House presidents Yiannakis Omirou and Demetris Syllouris, subject to approval by the cabinet.
Authorities are further examining the arrangements for former president Nicos Anastasiades, while the possibility of providing police protection to newly elected parliamentary figures Odysseas Michaelides and Fidias Panayiotou is under review.
The assessment follows Fitiris’ directive that all current security arrangements should be examined based on updated risk evaluations and operational needs.
The police security committee is expected to submit its findings to the minister, who will then forward proposals to the cabinet for final decisions on the level of protection required for each individual.
The review includes consideration of the resources required for police protection duties, with the Police facing competing demands in areas including organised crime, drug trafficking and public safety.
Michaelides and Panayiotou, who entered Parliament following the latest elections, are among the figures whose security arrangements are being assessed.
Authorities are also examining whether existing protection provided to other political figures should be adjusted.
A 31-year-old Syrian national was arrested on Saturday in connection with a fight in Xylofagou last Wednesday, with the latest detention bringing the number of people arrested in the case to six.
The suspect was located by members of the police and appeared before the Famagusta district court, which issued a four-day detention order to allow investigators to continue their inquiries.
The Famagusta CID is continuing investigations into the incident, while searches remain underway for further suspects.
Police said two other men, aged 26 and 24, were also arrested on July 15 as part of the investigation.
Authorities are still seeking three additional individuals, as well as another suspect whose personal details were released last Friday.
The latest arrest follows the detention of three other suspects earlier this month.
A 27-year-old man was arrested last Thursday, while a 30-year-old and a 20-year-old were arrested on Monday.
Police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances of the fight or the allegations being investigated against those arrested.
Xylofagou mukhtar Giorgos Ioulianos told the Cyprus Mail previously that the altercation involves two rival Syrian gangs over financial disputes.
The case remains under investigation by the Famagusta CID, with officers continuing efforts to locate the remaining suspects and gather further evidence.
Using analog film photography to build a nostalgic, intimate archive of Cyprus – chasing colours, light and forgotten corners of the island one frame at a time – German photographer Benedikt van Lengerich is turning what started as a personal passion into a visual guide for others to discover, or rediscover, the place he now calls home.
“I’m documenting Cyprus on film,” says Benedikt, “I’ve discovered it multiple times, over and over again”.
Benedikt moved to the island in 2018, pursuing a career in Fintech. “I was in my mid 20s, right after university, I had just finished my first job in Germany and I had a friend who had moved here (Cyprus) who told me to come take a look, and I booked a one way flight.”
At the time, the local fintech industry was looking for German speakers. “Three weeks later, I had a job here, and I stayed ever since.” He’s witnessed how much Cyprus, and in particular Limassol, has changed over the past decade.
Based in Limassol and to a lesser degree Paphos, he identifies as part of an ‘older’ community of Germans who moved to the island in the 80s who predominately worked in shipping. “Now you have a different influx of entrepreneurs, online and e-commerce business owners, a completely different community.” Born in Cologne, Benedikt moved around with his father’s business and has lived in multiple countries, including Canada where he finished his school education.
Yet Cyprus is where he has lived the longest. It’s also where he has developed his passion for taking photographs and brought analogue photography to the forefront, one of the few photographers on the island to use a once upon a time default medium as a niche, intentional choice.
Even though film photography went through an approximate two-decade decline following the rise of digital cameras, it never fully disappeared, and in recent years it has seen a genuine revival, driven in part by social media platforms such as Instagram, as well as a broader nostalgia culture, as younger people and influencers rediscover its distinct look.
What keeps it alive isn’t just its cachet either: film offers a different lens character, colour rendering, and grain that digital cannot fully replicate, while also imposing a natural discipline, since each shot carries a real cost. As Benedikt says, it costs roughly €1 per photo once you factor in the film and development. That cost encourages more intention and presence behind the camera, rather than the snapshot, consequence-free shooting digital permits. While film is more expensive and less convenient than digital, that very impracticality is part of what now makes it feel authentic and crafted rather than outdated – much like with vinyl records in music, where digital remains dominant for convenience, but analog retains a devoted following for the texture, ritual, and connection it offers.
Benedikt’s photos, whether of the coastline, mountainous villages, archeological sites or the architecture of Nicosia bring about a nostalgic imagery of the island. An aesthetic that recalls a Cyprus of the 80s, a refreshing glance at the island’s beauty, one that almost needs to be revived in order to remember what really was all about. “Using film, you go through life with a different kind of awareness, because you’re always looking for a spot you think could look nice on film and you look more for colours which stand out; you want to have the contrast in the all the edges and the frames, which, maybe, with a digital camera, you would approach differently; with digital you just click away, you don’t really care.
“It’s very hard to replicate the results that you get from film photography with a digital camera; with editing you can get close to it but for multiple reasons it’s not the same: the lenses were very different on the old cameras, and they capture objects in a different way, and then you have the vividness of the colours, the contrast and the grain that you have in film images.”
And so, for the past two years, equipped with his Contax T2, which stopped being manufactured in 1999, and his favourite Kodak Gold and Kodak Portra, Benedikt has been discovering the island from behind his camera. “We’ll plan a day out, and I’ll find somewhere I’ve never been before, and I’ll shoot whatever captures my eye along the way. Cyprus has amazing colours in that regard, you have the blue sky, which always looks very crisp.”
Today, Benedikt has a huge archive of photos of places on the island. “I didn’t even realise it, because I always just took my camera and took photos, and would select the top two pictures on the film, and post them. In the last two years, I have 2,000 photos just in Cyprus. But because I was working full time, I didn’t have so much time to invest. It’s time intensive: curating the images, preparing posts.”
Using Instagram as his main platform, Benedikt regularly posts his impressions of Cyprus. “What I’ve noticed in the last six months is that people want more than just the photography, they want the context behind it as well: the names, locations. Lots of people see the image, but they don’t know where it is, and they want to go there themselves, so I started adding more locations and storytelling aspects about why I shoot film or adding calls to action and it triggers something in people to engage as well. Since I started doing that, the content has gone much more viral.
“My medium is the photography, but I want to provide more of a guide for other photographers and people coming to the island to get inspired to go out, to go to a different place, do day trips to see the mountains, different villages on the island, beaches where there’s not huge crowds. I get messages asking for recommendations.”
Benedikt also gets insights from locals. “I realised what a deep connection Cypriots have to Nicosia for example. Taking photos of Nicosia, my expectation was that it wasn’t going to perform, because for me Cyprus was always about beaches. When I did a series in Nicosia and its Cypriot architecture, I saw how that really resonates with Cypriots and Cypriots abroad as well.”
This is perhaps what also instigated his collaboration with the deputy ministry of tourism. “I do collaborative posts on Instagram with the ministry and share places in Cyprus with nice quotes. I’m also collaborating with some hotels who reached out to me because they like my content.”
Aware of the sensitivities of the island’s divide, Benedikt covers both sides. “My partner is Cypriot, her father is a refugee from the north, so I definitely understand the conflict and the emotional conflict. I took my girlfriend to the village where her father came from for the first time last summer, and it was a very emotional trip. Quite difficult.” Yet Benedikt appreciates the nature there too, the Karpas peninsula, Golden Beach, Kormakitis, Kyrenia.
“The island in itself is actually not so small. What I like a lot is the history. You have Greek mythology, all the ancient sites of the city kingdoms. I’ve shot Curium, I’ve shot Salamis, the Roman mosaics in Paphos, the Venetian bridges, you have Nicosia, the divided capital, the buffer zone, then you have all the monasteries, the Christian orthodox history, and then you have even super ancient settlements, it’s super interesting to dive deeper into the history of the island. I listen to interesting podcasts on the history of Cyprus… I got a lot of inspiration from that as well, the research behind it inspires me to go to the places to see for myself.”
Benedikt finds something irreplaceable in the tactile experience of film – the mechanical clicks, the feel of the camera – and underlines that, after a long time, interest in film photography has actually grown thanks to social media. His images evoke a Cyprus of yesteryear, and many mistake them for old photos; they don’t realise he doesn’t edit them but simply uses the original analog process. Tracing his inspiration to Berlin’s vibrant film photography scene, where influencers and photo-walk culture first drew him in, Benedikt openly embraces the nostalgia at the heart of his work.
Looking ahead, he’s working toward turning his work into physical products: a coffee table book, prints and eventually an exhibition. He’s also considering postcards, ideally in a format that gives the island a more modern spin – something he feels is currently missing. That aside, he still has a personal shooting list, including Kykkos Monastery, a place he’s visited before but never yet captured on film.
Find Benedikt on Instagram @benvanleng
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said on Saturday that the planned abolition of the teachers’ appointment list would not exclude educators with previous experience, as the ministry prepares to present its final proposal for reform at the end of July.
Michaelidou insisted the government would proceed through dialogue with teachers’ organisations and other stakeholders, while recognising the concerns of those who have served in schools under the current system.
“It is important to participate in a dialogue so that we can co-formulate the final opinions,” she said.
The appointment list, which has governed the recruitment of teachers for years, has faced renewed opposition following plans for its abolition.
Teacher groups have raised concerns about the impact on educators who have accumulated service while waiting for permanent appointments.
Michaelidou said the issue was not new and argued that reform had been under discussion for a decade.
“This cannot go on any longer, it must be abolished,” she said, while conceding that the new system would need to address both existing teachers and younger candidates seeking entry into the profession.
The minister said the proposed changes would maintain examinations as a recruitment tool while taking previous service into account.
“We do not only have people who have been working in schools in recent years. We also have thousands of young people who want to enter the profession, and we cannot deprive them of this opportunity,” she stressed.
She rejected suggestions that experienced teachers would be left without options, saying “no one has left out people who have worked”.
Michaelidou said the ministry’s written proposal would be submitted at the end of July, allowing organisations to respond before the matter reaches parliament in October.
“We will always listen to structured suggestions and opinions, very specifically, so that we have the best possible result for everyone,” she said.
The fire brigade is preparing emergency measures ahead of a forecast heatwave, with a national coordination meeting scheduled for Tuesday to review fire prevention and response plans, spokesperson Andreas Kettis said on Saturday.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Officer Nikos Longinos in his role as national fire coordinator, will involve state services and other competent authorities to examine additional measures based on weather forecasts and expected high temperatures.
“The department has worked hard to prevent fires and to be ready for any event,” Kettis assured, remarking that preparations were focused on limiting the impact of major incidents.
The Fire brigade has thus far responded to 1,350 fires in 2026, with more than 10 per cent assessed as having the potential to develop into major incidents, according to Kettis.
He warned that many fires are caused by negligence, including discarded cigarettes, outdoor burning, hot tools and waste that can become an ignition source.
“With the current environmental conditions, it is very easy for a fire to start and spread,” he said.
The brigade has expanded its operational capacity through new equipment and infrastructure, including the National Operations Coordination Centre, which was established with €6.5 million in European funding.
Kettis said the brigade was also awaiting the delivery of 10 water tanks with a capacity of 56,000 litres each, which will be positioned in areas away from existing water sources to improve access during emergencies.
Additional vehicles and water tankers, funded through an Interior Ministry allocation of more than €1.2 million, have been placed at strategic points in Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos districts.
“The use of these diggers in a fire and the tanker for water supply is very important in suppressing and creating firebreaks,” Kettis said.
Fire prevention measures have also been expanded, including the establishment of dedicated prevention teams made up of professional firefighters and increased cooperation with local authorities.
Kettis said 850 registered dumpsites across Cyprus were being examined, with 250 recently identified by the brigade for further attention.
The response network includes 13 primary firefighting aircraft, additional aircraft from the British bases, police and National Guard helicopters, as well as assistance mechanisms involving Israel, Greece and the European rescEU system.
The brigade has further increased surveillance through cameras covering rural areas in all districts, providing live images to coordination centres.
A further 60 hourly staff members have been recruited, while seven field stations are now operating around the clock.
Kettis said cooperation between services remained central to prevention efforts, with volunteer groups, Civil Defence, Forestry Department and Game and Fauna Service participating in emergency plans.
Civil Defence has also updated evacuation procedures under the “Polyvios” plan and conducted seven evacuation exercises between May and June.
If your idea of Cyprus extends only to sandy beaches and resort hotels, Cape Greco may come as a surprise. Located between Ayia Napa and Protaras, Cape Greco National Forest Park is one of the island’s most spectacular natural landscapes, where rugged limestone cliffs meet clear Mediterranean waters, scenic walking trails wind through protected woodland and secluded coves invite visitors to stop for a swim.
Whether you’re planning a morning hike, a photography trip or a full day exploring the coastline, Cape Greco offers a very different experience from the neighbouring resorts. This guide explains everything you need to know before visiting, from the best viewpoints and beaches to practical advice on transport, walking trails and the best time to go.
| Location | Between Ayia Napa and Protaras |
| Best for | Hiking, swimming, photography, nature |
| Time needed | 2–6 hours |
| Suitable for children | Yes, on selected trails |
| Public transport | Limited |
| Car recommended | Helpful but not essential |
| Best season | Spring and autumn |
One point that often causes confusion is the terminology. Cape Greco refers to the dramatic headland on Cyprus’ south-east coast, while Cape Greco National Forest Park is the protected area surrounding it.
Covering more than 380 hectares, the park is valued for its limestone cliffs, native vegetation and coastal ecosystems. It’s also one of Cyprus’ most popular destinations for walking, cycling and outdoor recreation.
Unlike nearby Ayia Napa or Protaras, there are no hotels or large developments within the park itself, helping preserve its natural character.
For most visitors it’s a definite yes.
If you’re looking for organised beaches with sunbeds and cafés, you’ll probably spend more time in Protaras or Ayia Napa.
But if you enjoy walking, dramatic coastal scenery, snorkelling or photography, Cape Greco is one of the best outdoor destinations in Cyprus.
The park is compact enough to explore in half a day, yet varied enough that many visitors return more than once.
The famous Cape Greco sea caves are among the most photographed natural attractions in Cyprus.
Formed by centuries of wave action, the caves can be viewed safely from above via marked paths. Some adventurous swimmers enter the water here during calm conditions, but cliff jumping should only be attempted by experienced individuals and is never without risk.
Boat excursions also pass the caves, offering another perspective.
The main viewpoint is an easy walk from the nearby car park and rewards visitors with panoramic views across the Mediterranean.
Sunrise is particularly popular with photographers, while sunset brings softer light and fewer daytime visitors.
One of the highlights of Cape Greco hiking is that there’s something for almost every ability.
The Aphrodite Trail provides a gentle introduction to the park, while longer coastal routes offer more varied terrain and uninterrupted sea views.
Cyclists also make good use of the network of tracks through the forest park.
Although Cape Greco is better known for its cliffs than sandy beaches, the surrounding coastline offers excellent swimming.
Konnos Bay is ideal for families thanks to its sheltered waters, while smaller coves provide quieter spots for confident swimmers and snorkellers.
Cape Greco is widely regarded as one of Cyprus’ best sunset locations.
The cliffs facing west provide uninterrupted views across the sea, making late afternoon one of the most rewarding times to visit.
While the park itself is rocky in places, several excellent beaches lie within or close to its boundaries.
Konnos Bay combines calm, turquoise water with facilities including cafés and sunbeds.
Smaller coves within the park appeal to snorkellers looking for quieter surroundings.
For larger sandy beaches, both Protaras and Ayia Napa are only a short drive away.
For more inspiration, see our guide to the best beaches in Cyprus:
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/10/29/best-beaches-in-cyprus-from-golden-sands-to-hidden-coves
Driving remains the easiest option.
The park is around 10 minutes from Protaras and 15 minutes from Ayia Napa, with several free parking areas close to major viewpoints and trailheads.
Regular buses connect Ayia Napa and Protaras, although visitors should expect a short walk from the nearest stops to many attractions.
The relatively gentle terrain makes cycling a popular option, particularly during spring and autumn.
Visitors staying in eastern Protaras can walk into parts of the park, although distances increase significantly once inside.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aphrodite Trail | 2 km | Easy | Coastal views |
| Sea Caves Path | 1 km | Easy | Cliffs & photography |
| Coastal Nature Trail | 4 km | Moderate | Wildflowers & viewpoints |
Bring sturdy footwear, water and sun protection, as shade is limited across much of the park.
Spring is arguably the best season, with comfortable temperatures and wildflowers covering the landscape.
Summer is perfect for swimming but hiking is best completed early in the morning or late afternoon.
Autumn combines warm sea temperatures with fewer visitors, while winter offers peaceful walking conditions and excellent visibility after rainfall.
For seasonal advice, see:
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/12/10/what-is-the-best-time-to-visit-cyprus-a-seasonal-guide-for-travellers
A two-hour visit is enough to see the viewpoint and sea caves.
Half a day allows time for a short hike and a swim at Konnos Bay.
A full day lets you combine several walking trails, beaches and a relaxed lunch in nearby Protaras or Ayia Napa.
Yes, provided you choose shorter trails and supervise children near the cliff edges.
Families often combine a gentle walk with time at Konnos Bay, where calm waters make swimming more suitable for younger visitors.
Carry plenty of water, especially in summer, as facilities are limited once inside the park.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, apply sun protection and avoid climbing over safety barriers near the cliffs.
Swimming is safest from designated beaches rather than directly beneath the sea caves, where conditions can change quickly.
As with all protected areas, visitors should remain on marked paths and respect local wildlife and vegetation.
Start early with the main viewpoint before temperatures rise, then follow one of the shorter walking trails towards the coastline.
Spend late morning swimming or snorkelling at Konnos Bay before enjoying lunch in Protaras.
In the afternoon, visit the sea caves and finish the day watching the sunset from one of the headland’s panoramic viewpoints.
Cape Greco offers a side of Cyprus that contrasts sharply with the neighbouring holiday resorts. Rather than organised entertainment, visitors come for dramatic coastal scenery, rewarding walking trails and some of the clearest water on the island.
Whether you have two hours or an entire day, it’s a destination that combines nature, outdoor activity and spectacular views in a way few other places in Cyprus can match.
Memory is preserved through people rather than monuments, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides said on Saturday during a remembrance event in the Amathus municipality honouring those killed and missing during the Turkish invasion 1974.
Charalambides said the tragedy of ‘74 did not begin with the invasion on July 20, but with the coup that preceded it and the collapse of constitutional order.
He further condemned the coup as an attack on democracy and warning against the idea that violence could replace popular will.
“This historical truth does not in the slightest diminish Turkey’s responsibility,” he said, adding that both the coup and invasion showed the dangers of a country being “wounded from within and threatened from without”.
Referring to those who died, Charalambides said their sacrifice represented a decision to stand firm during a period of fear and uncertainty.
“Their value lies in the choice to stand tall when everything around you is crumbling,” he said.
He also spoke about the missing persons of Cyprus, describing their fate as one of the most painful aspects of the tragedy.
“There were parents who passed away waiting. There were mothers who kept a photograph for decades,” he said, remarking that the search for the truth about every missing person was “an act of justice, humanity and duty”.
Charalambides said remembrance was carried through names, photographs and communities rather than physical structures.
“Memory does not reside in monuments. It resides in people,” he said.
The minister concluded that honouring those lost also required building a Cyprus capable of learning from its history and continuing efforts to address the consequences of the past.
President Nikos Christodoulides is expected to announce a cabinet reshuffle in the coming days, with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou set to leave her post after accepting an appointment in public education.
Antoniou had confirmed that Panayiotou’s departure was the first confirmed change to the cabinet, while declining himself to comment on other possible appointments or removals.
“With great certainty, at the moment the fact we have before us is that the Agriculture Ministry will have to be replaced,” Antoniou said.
Panayiotou was appointed to a teaching position starting in September. She said she had informed the president that she remained available to continue as minister if required.
“All ministers, from the moment we take office, know that we are here with an expiration date,” she said.
According to local media, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades is among the ministers whose future has been the subject of speculation.
Speaking to Alpha, he said the president would decide whether he remained in government.
“We are soldiers. We will play ball until the president tells us,” Vafeades remarked this week to Alpha.
Diko has also held discussions with the President over its participation in the government following the parliamentary elections.
The party currently holds three ministerial positions through Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, Energy Minister Michalis Damianos and Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides.
Politis have indicated that Diko has requested greater representation in the cabinet, with several party figures mentioned as likely candidates for ministerial posts, including party secretary George Solomou, Famagusta MP Christos Senekis as well as party spokesman Theodoros Manitaras.
According to the sane report, Christodoulides has indicated that both Keravnos and Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou will remain in their positions.
Edek will also require a new representative in government following Panayiotou’s departure. Reports have mentioned former MP Elias Myrianthos as a possible candidate, although no appointment has been confirmed.
Ecologist leader Stavros Papadouris has also been reported by Politis as a possible addition to the cabinet.
The reshuffle is expected to be announced before the visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to Cyprus on July 27.
The government has ruled out changes on July 20 due to the anniversary of the Turkish invasion in 1974.
The Peyia Beer Festival was allowed to proceed on Saturday after the environment department granted approval for the three day event at Agios Georgios Square, subject to strict conditions aimed at limiting its impact on nearby protected areas.
The approval followed an inspection of the site and a review of information submitted by Akamas municipality.
The department also requested an immediate meeting with the municipality to establish a framework for future events in the area.
The festival, which began on Friday and continues until Sunday, had raised concerns among environmental groups due to its proximity to protected areas of the Akamas peninsula, including Natura 2000 sites.
In its statement issued on Saturday, the department said the event could proceed provided organisers comply with measures covering lighting, noise, and waste management.
Organisers must position the stage on the northern side of the venue facing southwest, while lighting must be restricted and prevented from reaching the sea.
Spotlights, and other equipment directing beams towards the sky have been prohibited.
Sound systems must also be adjusted to prevent noise reaching the Akamas national forest park and surrounding protected areas.
The department warned that any breach of the conditions could lead to the festival being stopped and said inspections would be carried out during and after the event.
It added that prior consultation would be required for future activities due to the area’s environmental sensitivity.
Childhood cancer rates in Cyprus have emerged as a concern among health experts, with recent data indicating incidence levels above the EU.
According to the Cyprus 2025 Cancer Country Profile prepared by the OECD and the European Commission, an estimated 22 children aged up to 14 were diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
The estimated incidence rate was 15 cases per 100,000 children, compared with the EU average of 13.7 cases per 100,000.
The figures are estimates based on available cancer registry information and previous trends rather than confirmed final case numbers for that year.
Leukaemia accounted for around 36 per cent of childhood cancer cases, followed by brain and central nervous system tumours at 27 per cent and lymphomas at 19 per cent.
Childhood cancer mortality in Cyprus was estimated at 2.3 deaths per 100,000 children, slightly above the EU average of 2.1 deaths per 100,000.
As reported in Politis, A population-based study using the childhood cancer registry, covering cases from 1998 to 2017, previously found Cyprus among the countries with the highest reported childhood and adolescent cancer incidence rates internationally.
The study estimated an age standardised incidence rate of 203.5 cases per million among children and adolescents up to 19 years old.
It found no statistically significant overall increase during the period examined, but identified a significant rise in thyroid cancer, particularly among girls and adolescents aged 15 to 19.
Speaking to Politis, Professor Constantinos Makris, public health institute director at the University of Technology (Tepak), said recent data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicated an increase in new childhood cancer cases over the past decade.
However, he said the available evidence does not explain why Cyprus appears to be experiencing higher increases compared with other European countries.
“The question of why new cases are increasing disproportionately in Cyprus compared with other European countries cannot currently be answered with precision,” he said.
Makris said Cyprus lacked a comprehensive system for tracking children’s environmental, behavioural and metabolic exposures over time, limiting researchers’ ability to investigate possible contributing factors.
He said areas requiring monitoring include obesity, diet, smoking exposure, air pollution and chemical exposure such as pesticides, but stressed that there was currently no evidence connecting the increase to any single cause.
“Genes cannot alter that significantly within ten years,” he said, adding that improved diagnosis may explain part of the increase but was unlikely to account for the entire trend.
Makris called for the creation of a national monitoring system examining children’s environmental and lifestyle exposures from pregnancy through early childhood.
The Appeals Court has upheld prison sentences imposed on a man convicted of possessing and acquiring hundreds of child pornography files, rejecting an appeal by the Attorney General, Geroge Savvides, seeking tougher penalties.
In its decision issued on Saturday, the unanimous ruling dismissed the appeal against the sentences imposed by the Nicosia district court, finding that the punishments fell within permissible limits and did not require intervention.
For acquiring child pornography between November 21, 2016, and July 12, 2017, involving 792 files found on his laptop, the defendant was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
He was also sentenced to 14 months for possessing three child pornography files on his laptop in February 2021.
A further sentence of 30 months was imposed for acquiring 186 files depicting children under the age of 13.
The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, as the court also imposed supervision and exclusion orders preventing the respondent from entering places frequented by children for three years following his release.
Savvides’ appeal argued that the sentences were “manifestly insufficient”, citing the seriousness of the offences, the available penalties under the law, previous case law and the need for deterrence.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment for offences involving the first and second categories of material, while offences involving the third category can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
In its decision, the court rejected the arguments, stating that “the sentence imposed on the appellant in question may fall within the permissible limits so as not to be manifestly insufficient”.
A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the Larnaca terrorism investigation after being located abroad and extradited to Cyprus, police confirmed on Saturday.
The suspect, described as a third country national, was transferred to Cyprus by members of the Larnaca CID.
Larnaca CID chief George Charalambous confirmed the arrest, saying police had detained the individual “in the context of investigating the case concerning terrorism”.
The suspect has appeared before the Larnaca district court, which issued an eight-day detention order to allow investigators to continue their inquiries.
Police said the arrest concerns the same offences under investigation in the wider case, in which three people have already been remanded in custody.
The suspects face twelve charges, including terrorism, conspiracy to commit a felony and possession of explosives.
A 32-year-old and a 38-year-old remain in custody in relation to allegations that they planned attacks against Israeli interests in Cyprus following instructions received from abroad.
Authorities have alleged that the pair were involved in activities connected to Hamas.
A 54-year-old suspect, who had also been detained in the case, was released in June after the Larnaca district court rejected a request for his continued detention.
The court imposed a €1 million bail requirement with guarantors, the surrender of travel documents and a requirement to report to police four times a week.
A 57-year-old brother of one of the suspects was also arrested during the investigation but was later released after authorities found no evidence implicating him.
The investigation began after police searches at premises in Governor’s Beach and the Kamares area of Larnaca led to the discovery of chemical substances, including ammonium nitrate, which investigators are examining as part of the case.
Authorities have previously alleged that one suspect entered Cyprus with assistance from another individual and that the case is connected to a 37-year-old man arrested in Greece, who reportedly told authorities he attended a Hamas training camp in Malaysia in 2025.
Police have affirmed that investigations remain ongoing.
Short term tourist accommodation operators in Cyprus are facing a weaker season, with occupancy rates and prices both falling by up to 15 per cent this year,
Speaking with Alpha TV on Saturday, Self-Service Tourist Accommodation Association (Stek) president, Konstantinos Karakontis said demand had slowed compared with last year’s strong performance, although the market had improved compared with that seen in 2024.
“This year is certainly moving at a slower pace compared with last year,” he affirmed, adding that “occupancy is lower by 10 per cent to 15 per cent and prices are also reduced by 10 per cent to 15 per cent”.
The number of active properties advertised on digital platforms has remained between 12,000 and 15,000 in recent years, according to Karakontis, but only around 8,500 currently hold an official licence from the Deputy Tourism Ministry.
He said one of the main challenges facing the sector was the lack of direct connection between the official licensing register and platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.
Karakontis said legislative changes were being promoted to allow live verification of registration numbers, allowing platforms to remove properties operating without valid licences.
“When the registration number is not the real one, the platforms can at the same time delete the property from the platform,” he said.
He also raised concerns over communication between state bodies following the collapse of an apartment building in Yermasoyia, where one of the units had reportedly been used as short term accommodation.
Karakontis said the apartment had obtained a permit, but questioned why information about the building’s condition held by the EOA had not been shared with the tourism authorities.
“The question was simple, why didn’t the EOA give this difference further down?” he said, suggesting that authorities should publish lists of buildings considered unsuitable rather than introduce additional administrative requirements.
Addressing criticism that short term rentals have contributed to housing shortages and rising rents, Karakontis rejected the claim, saying much of the sector’s growth had been concentrated in tourist areas such as Famagusta and Paphos.
He said visitor behaviour remained positive but acknowledged difficulties in managing large numbers of dispersed properties.
“The only thing that really needs to be cracked down on is illegal rentals,” he concluded.
Plans to regenerate the traditional centre of Peyia moved forward on Saturday after Akamas municipality signed a contract for the preparation of a masterplan and the technical studies needed for the project.
The municipality signed the agreement with architectural firm CE Chrysanthou Architects LLC, appointing it to prepare the overall design, complete the required technical studies and supervise implementation of the project.
The consultancy contract is valued at €248,500, while the construction works are expected to cost around €5.3 million.
According to the municipality, the project marks the next stage in efforts to revitalise the village’s historic core through a comprehensive redevelopment plan.
The masterplan will provide the framework for future works, with the appointed consultants responsible for producing the technical studies required before construction can begin, as well as overseeing the project during its implementation.
The municipality said the intervention aims to deliver both functional and visual improvements to the historic centre while preserving Peyia’s traditional character.
It said the project is intended to achieve the “functional and aesthetic upgrade” of the area, with particular emphasis on protecting traditional architecture, highlighting the village’s cultural heritage and improving public spaces.
The redevelopment is also intended to create a more attractive environment for both residents and visitors, while adapting the village centre to contemporary needs without compromising its historic identity.
Cyprus is continuing to fall short on key rule of law reforms, with the European Commission cautioning that delays in overhauling the legal service, slow moving courts and weak oversight of prosecution decisions remain among the country’s most serious institutional failings.
In its 2026 rule of law report issued on Saturday, the Commission said Cyprus had made only “limited further progress” in reforming the legal service and introducing effective review of decisions not to prosecute or discontinue criminal proceedings.
It urged authorities to complete the reform, including establishing the office of the director of public prosecutions, and to introduce effective oversight of prosecutorial decisions “including in victimless offences”, in line with European standards.
The report also described the administration of justice as a persistent concern, saying the length of court proceedings “remains a serious problem”.
It pointed to continued delays in creating an independent courts service, a reform intended to improve the efficiency of the judiciary and called on Cyprus to accelerate its implementation.
While acknowledging progress in some areas, the Commission said reforms to modernise the justice system continue to advance slowly.
It said the bill reforming the legal service remains before parliament, digital transformation of the courts is still limited, recruitment and infrastructure problems persist, and delays in opening the commercial court continue to concern businesses.
The Commission did, however, identify “significant progress” in strengthening the independent anti-corruption authority after legislation was adopted to improve its recruitment framework and resources, although it said further measures are still required to ensure the authority can perform its duties effectively.
It also welcomed reforms strengthening the independence of the audit office through fixed, non-renewable eight-year terms for the auditor general and assistant auditor general, together with stricter appointment criteria.
Elsewhere, the report referred to progress on transparency in media ownership, lobbying rules and public procurement oversight, while reforms governing state advertising and public media remain under way.
The Commission said the safety of journalists in Cyprus remains stable overall but warned that those employed in the media continue to face “precarious working conditions”.
It also pointed to improvements in public participation in decision making and reforms affecting civil society organisations, while concluding that businesses continue to face obstacles arising from the labyrinthine nature of certain legislation.
The British father arrested following the death of his three-year-old son after a fall from a fourth-floor hotel window in Paphos will remain in custody until the expiry of his eight-day remand, with any decision on temporary release for his son’s funeral to be considered only after that point.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, police confirmed that the case would be evaluated by the attorney general, George Savvides if a request is made for the father to attend the funeral.
Any such measure would be considered no earlier than Tuesday, when his remand order expires.
The 40-year-old father was arrested after his son died from injuries sustained in the fall at a hotel in Paphos last weekend.
Police have completed their investigation and forwarded the case to the legal service for examination.
Paphos assistant police operations director and police spokesman Michalis Nikolaou previously told the Cyprus Mail that “the investigator has submitted the case for further examination”, adding that “as far as any prosecution is concerned, the decision will be taken by the attorney general”.
Earlier expectations that the father could be released under strict conditions before the end of his remand have now been ruled out.
Should the attorney general decide to initiate criminal proceedings immediately after the remand expires, the father would be brought before court.
Otherwise, a decision could be taken to release him under conditions while legal proceedings continue.
Police also previously clarified that toxicology results relating to the father remain outstanding.
His lawyer, Petros Stavrou, has strongly criticised his continued detention, arguing that there is no justification for keeping him in custody after the investigation was completed.
“Everything I had to say, I said in my letter which was sent on Tuesday 14th to the police. I asked for the man to be released,” Stavrou told the Cyprus Mail.
According to information gathered during the investigation, the father was playing with the child in his arms when the boy slipped through an open section of a sliding window, which he had allegedly not realised was open.
The three-year-old fell from the fourth floor and later died from his injuries.
The family had arrived in Cyprus in the early hours of Sunday for a holiday and had been due to remain at the hotel until July 25.
The police union Isotita (Equality) has criticised the force’s decision to disclose that a driver involved in a Nicosia traffic accident was an off-duty officer arguing on Saturday that the disclosure raises questions over privacy and the handling of personal information.
The criticism followed a police announcement that the 44-year-old officer had been suspended on the instructions of Deputy Police Chief Panikos Stavrou after testing positive for alcohol following a road collision.
The officer is facing criminal and disciplinary investigations.
The union’s spokesman, Nicos Loizides, said Isotita had no objection to police confirming an individual’s profession if specifically requested, but questioned whether there was a legal basis for proactively publishing such details.
“The conclusion would therefore be that in every road collision, every positive alcohol test and every positive drug test, the police press office should publish the professions of the drivers involved,” Loizides said.
He called for clarification of the rules governing the disclosure of professional identities in cases where individuals are not acting in their official capacity at the time of an alleged offence.
Loizides said there was a distinction between taking disciplinary action against a police officer and making their occupation public.
He argued that personal data and information relating to police personnel should be treated separately.
“It is not by chance that our institution is being questioned when documents containing the names of police officers circulate so freely,” he said.
The union representative also criticised what he described as the public exposure of officers involved in incidents.
“You do not elevate yourself by exposing and humiliating others,” he said.
Police have not issued a public response to the union’s comments.
The investigations into the officer remain ongoing, with both criminal and disciplinary procedures continuing.
Okay, you might presume based on the title that I can't read but here I am using reddit so... I try at least.
In the past year I managed to get a lot better at writing code, Go is my first language I really settled with, it is fantastic to write. The problem is I feel like reading and understanding code I wrote months ago or written by others is just hard. I see expeienced people blaze through code like it is easier to read than their native language and just can't figure out if I'm supposed to read right to left or wtf but it feels like I'm a 3rd grade elementary school student sweating over 3 lines of code as it was latin.
It all becomes 100x harder when I want to not just read the single file because that excuse of a constuctor is not very useful on it is own, but actually understand package hierarchy, referencing between files and how the overall flow of a project is laid out. For example I wrote months ago as a learning project a basic http app.. revisiting the project I felt like I should visit my GP for some memory enchancement drugs because I had no idea what was the entrypoint for a request and what consumed what.
Do you have any tips for my code illiterate bottom to get better at reading code and project structures? I just found out I have a go to definition shortcut.. helps a lot.
I do not want to use AI, so the "just ask AI to explain" answer while appriciated as effort, discarded.
Thanks!
( newbie with networking project ) so i was writing a simple Chat server, where multiple clients can talk there are commands to send message to specific client, send message in a room, join and leave room. for the broadcast i implemented something like:
```go
func (cm *ConnectionManager) Broadcast(message string) error { cm.mu.RLock()
connections := make([]net.Conn, 0, len(cm.clients)) for _, conn := range cm.clients { connections = append(connections, conn) } cm.mu.RUnlock() // no need of lock while writing back for _, conn := range connections { _, err := conn.Write([]byte(message)) if err != nil { log.Printf("Server write error: %v", err) return err } } return nil } ```
notice how i stores the connections first with a lock and then writes to the connections without a lock. i thought this will be fine because writes might take time and i dont want the locks to be long.
but there might be a problem here, say a client A receving multiple messages from two clients B, C.
now because of TCP not knowing what a message is (as it only knows byte streams). what if one of the write in mid way over the network gets slow, the messages sent by client B and C will intervene right ?? they will not be perfect like "MSG By B" and "MSG By C" but can be like "MSG MSG By C" and "By B" (assuming i have framing on client side by "\n")
one of the solutions that might be possible is that i have locks for every conn map[conn]sync.Mutex but that will be painfully slow and my broadcasting might forever wait because of the slow connection for client B
other is that i can have a single out channel, and all the conn writes are done in that channel , and then i can range over these channel and do the writes (because of the channel the concurrent client writes are serialized)
the other potential solution i came across is Actor pattern where you use things like async systems (a queue that will help in serializing the writings). it seems that it is the same underlying concept as out channel/queue but i will now send even the state updates into the queue
did i get the understanding right ? should i go on with using an outchannel to solve the issue of multiple conn writes actor model seems to overkill for this simple chat server
any suggestions are helpful, provide any more resource to read
From last 8 months, I've been working on CronosDB, a distributed database designed for one specific thing: publishing events now and having them delivered automatically at an exact future time.
If you've ever bolted together Postgres + a job queue + a scheduler + retry logic just to run something 10 minutes later, that's the problem space.
What it actually does-
You send an event with a schedule_ts in the future. CronosDB writes it to a WAL, indexes it in a scheduler, and dispatches it to consumers exactly when the time arrives. Think of it as Kafka meets cron, but the schedule is a first-class property of each message.
The stack
:7947), withISR quorumWhy not just use Kafka + Scheduler?
You can. But that means:
CronosDB collapses that into one system: durable log + scheduler + dispatcher + consumer groups, all speaking the same offset and replay model.
Where it
Current state
Core paths work. There's a runnable demo that publishes a JSON event scheduled 10 seconds out and prints it on delivery.
Benchmarks on a single machine (3 nodes on one host):
| Profile | Throughput |
|---|---|
| RF=1, periodic fsync, batch 4000 | ~790K events/sec |
| RF=3, minISR=2, batch 4000 | ~K events/sec |
| Single-event, no batching | ~10K events/sec |
Those are ceiling numbers on good hardware, but they show the shape.
The honest caveats
Repo: https://github.com/jatin711-debug/cronos_db_golang
Quick try
git clone https://github.com/jatin711-debug/cronos_db_golang.git cd cronos_db_golang make build-api .//cronos-api --dev --node-id=node1 --data-dir=./data # another terminal make demo What I'm asking
Thanks for reading.
We recently rewrote our user trust validation API in Go. Our legacy sequential architecture was blocking the execution thread and pushing P99 latency over 300ms. We needed to process multi-variable JSON policies concurrently.
Here is the article: https://autheona.com/developer-blog/architecture-behind-intelligence-api/
I'm new to the language, I have learned and practiced for a month about fundamentals of Golang. However, I'm still feel not so confident with Go concurrency concepts: Mutex, WaitGroup, GoRoutine.....
Can I learn from the community how did you practice these concepts?
Hey r/golang, I’ve been working on an online Go playground that goes a bit beyond the usual “run and see output.” It actually visualizes:
It’s at: https://8gwifi.org/online-go-compiler/
I made it mostly for my own learning and debugging, but I figured some of you might find it useful too especially when teaching, onboarding, or just trying to really understand what the runtime is doing under the hood.
Would love any feedback, bug reports, or feature ideas. It’s still a work in progress but already helped me catch a few sneaky escape-analysis surprises in my own code.
Let me know what you think!
When I have a project, files in it quite quickly become really large and harder to navigate, should I put everything in smaller files? Have a module per "topic" should I split methods of the same object in different files? Is there some rule of thumb?
I've been on a bit of a golang kick lately. I'm really loving the language, the syntax, the ecosystem, the auto linting, etc, etc. I've also been using golang for simple games (using raylib). So far everything seems to be Just Working (tm).
I'm intested in golang primarily because it seems to be good at networking - I'd love to some day in the far future make real time persistent MORPG-type games. Being able to run go both as the server and the graphical client is a bonus since some of the game logic code can be reused (ie: running a simulation on both the client and server). Go plus something like enet seems like it's a nice mixture.
I've talked to other gamedevs about using golang and have been met with quite a bit of surprise - people are surprised that I'm using it because it's a GC language which can (supposedly) lead to unexpected performance hits as the GC kicks in.
But - that also sounds like 2005 talk.
I haven't ever written anything resource intensive at this point - so I can't judge whether the concerns are real or not. Presumably there are people out there writing performant real time code in golang - are there really any issues with the GC?