MPs on Thursday called for tighter controls on property purchases by foreign nationals, warning that legislation restricting individual buyers could prove ineffective unless companies and other corporate structures were also covered.
The House interior committee continued examining proposed amendments to legislation governing the acquisition of property by foreigners, with discussions expected to resume in a fortnight.
The committee is awaiting the government’s next steps towards drafting a comprehensive legislative proposal regulating property acquisitions by foreign nationals.
Committee chairman and Akel MP Aristos Damianou said efforts to introduce the legislation were gathering pace, expressing hope that the process could be concluded by the end of the year.
He said consolidated drafts had been prepared in April, but the process was interrupted by the parliamentary elections in May.
Damianou described the issue as “particularly serious”, saying it concerned national security, the economy and the country’s future.
“We are a partially occupied state, part of whose territory is occupied by Turkey, whilst part of its territory is under the control of British bases,” he said, stressing the need to establish clear criteria and restrictions on property acquisitions.
He also raised concerns about property transactions conducted through contracts that, he said, were often not made public, allowing foreign interests to acquire property through companies and other intermediary arrangements.
Damianou warned that legislation focusing exclusively on individuals would be insufficient.
“If issues concerning natural persons, companies, funds and all those who purchase property in Cyprus in a concealed manner are not also regulated, then regulating natural persons alone will be insufficient,” he said.
Disy MP Nikoletta Konstantinou also called for a comprehensive approach, saying the proposed legislation concerned the Republic’s strategic interests and national security.
She expressed concern that restrictions applying only to individuals could undermine the effectiveness of the legislation, arguing that both natural and legal persons should be covered.
“There is little point in discussing whether a natural person will be unable to purchase a property, be it 1,000, 2,000 or 4,000 square metres, if the beneficial owner themselves will ultimately be able to acquire property through a corporate structure,” she said.
Konstantinou argued that the government should have presented a comprehensive proposal taking into account European law, the property market and Cyprus’ investment policy.
“Our aim must be a framework that genuinely protects national security and the Republic’s strategic interests, without creating unjustified or disproportionate restrictions that ultimately cause problems for the country’s economic and investment activity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Diko MP Panikos Leonidou called for immediate action to regulate land purchases by third-country nationals.
He said the situation had reached “uncontrolled proportions” and was causing concern among citizens.
Leonidou urged Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou and his ministry to take the initiative and introduce comprehensive legislation.
“The ministry of the interior must immediately table a bill covering all aspects of this problem,” he said.
England captain Harry Brook smashed the fastest double ton in One-Day International history and became the first Englishman to score 200 in the format as he powered his side to 429-4 against Sri Lanka in their tri-series match in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
The 27-year-old rewrote the record books by racing to his double hundred in 114 balls, surpassing the previous mark of 117 deliveries set by India’s Shubman Gill.
In the process, Brook also eclipsed England’s highest individual ODI score of 182, held by all-rounder Ben Stokes.
Brook’s scintillating performance ended with the final ball of England’s innings when he was caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Janith Liyanage.
He made 202 from 116 deliveries, peppering the Sri Lanka attack with 21 fours and 10 sixes before departing to warm applause from the crowd.
Joe Root provided strong support with 69 from 66 balls, finishing as England’s second-highest scorer of the day.
The construction of a tramway in Limassol could cost as much as €95 million per kilometre, the city’s mayor Yiannis Armeftis said on Thursday, as he evaluated the prospects for a tramway to be built in Cyprus’ second city.
“Preliminary estimates vary significantly depending on the technology to be used, with the cost ranging from €25m to €95m per kilometre,” he told television channel Sigma, though he did stress that “such an investment should not be evaluated solely based on construction costs”.
Instead, he said, “the equation should take into account the benefits which could arise from upgrading transit areas, increasing the value of land and real estate, and improving people’s quality of life”.
On this front, he made reference to “the economic cost caused by traffic delays through lost working hours and people’s travel time”, with Limassol frequently subject to long rush-hour tailbacks on its road network.
He said that Cyprus is “excessively dependent on the private car”, and that that makes his own city’s traffic issue “particularly difficult to deal with”.
“No city has solved its traffic problem when dependence on the private car reaches around 90 per cent. Traffic can be managed properly when public transport is also used,” he said.
Govt currently spends €100m per year on public transport
At present, he said, the government spends around €100m per year on public transport, of which around a quarter is spent on Limassol.
However, he added, “despite these significant expenditures, the use of buses remains limited”. To this end, he pointed out that only three to five per cent of journeys undertaken across Cyprus involve a bus, and said that “long delays and time-consuming routes discourage people” from using the bus to travel.
“It is not convenient because it has also lost its credibility,” he said, though he did stress that on the other hand, when a bus route is both reliable and useful, the public may take to it.
He gave the example of Limassol’s number 30 bus route, which runs along its coastal road, and said that “frequent and fast routes are a basic requirement for people to choose the bus instead of the car”.
On the matter of the possibility of constructing a tramway, he said that he had attended a meeting at the transport ministry on Monday, during which “the first steps of the studies were presented, as well as preliminary data on the possibility of installing a tram in Limassol”.
“The aim of the process is to examine whether this is a realistic and sustainable option, which could function complementarily to other means of public transport,” he said.
Availability of space ‘one of the main challenges’
Asked how a tramway could be installed in a city where “available road space is already limited”, he said that “this is one of the main challenges of the project”.
Nonetheless, he pointed out that bus lanes have already been installed in Limassol, and that they could be “used as tram corridors”.
He also pointed out that “other European cities” with “even smaller populations or dense construction” have also managed to build tramways.
“Behaviour changes when there are appropriate routes and when there is appropriate infrastructure,” he said.
Prountzos had called for tramway in Nicosia
His comments come after Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos had last month renewed his call for a tramway to be built in the capital, saying that the Nicosia municipality had initially prepared a study for a 14-kilometre tram line, and that after he took office in 2024, the length of the planned line grew to 20km.
Regarding how the plans could be financed, pointed out that the European Union’s next multiannual financial framework – the bloc’s budget for the period covering the years between 2028 and 2034 – enters force “in about a year”, and said that as such, discussions about a tramway “should have already started” with a view to securing EU funding.
Greek retail investors are increasingly turning to stock markets with relatively small starting amounts and a long-term investment approach, according to a new report by Wealthyhood, the investment platform that partnered with the Bank of Cyprus to expand access to investing in Cyprus.
The report, titled ‘Greek Investor Pulse 2026: The New Greek Investor‘, marks the first anniversary of Wealthyhood’s launch in Greece in October 2025 and draws on anonymised, aggregated data from more than 35,000 registered users.
It found that the typical new investor is 34 years old and starts investing with €100, while more than eight in 10 investors are currently in profit.
The findings also point to growing interest in domestic shares, with one in five investors now holding Greek stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) following the introduction of Greek shares to the platform in July 2026.
The report is also relevant to Cyprus, where Wealthyhood launched a co-branded investment platform with the Bank of Cyprus earlier this year, making investing available to residents regardless of whether they bank with the lender.
The Wealthyhood x BoC platform subsequently introduced trading in Cypriot and Greek shares, allowing retail investors to access companies listed on the Cyprus Stock Exchange and Euronext Athens through a single application, with fractional investing available from €1.
“We thank our clients for their trust in our first year in Greece, and we make a promise that our app will keep getting better, day by day, to make investing easy, affordable and safe for everyone,” said Alexandros Christodoulakis, co-founder and chief executive of Wealthyhood.
Younger investors and broader participation
The report describes an investor base spanning different age groups, regions and income brackets, consisting mainly of employees and self-employed professionals on everyday incomes.
The median age is 34, with 34 per cent of investors under 30 and 31 per cent aged between 35 and 44.
Women account for approximately one in six new investors, although their returns were higher than those of men, at 23.8 per cent against 20.9 per cent on an annual basis.
Wealthyhood said increasing women’s participation remained one of the most important challenges for Greece’s investment market.
The figures also suggest that investing is no longer confined to high earners, with 58 per cent of investors declaring annual incomes below €20,000.
Around 66 per cent work full-time, while 17 per cent are self-employed.
Geographically, investors using the platform live in 458 towns across 73 of Greece’s 74 regional units.
Attica accounts for 51 per cent of investors, leaving 49 per cent living elsewhere in the country, while Thessaloniki follows with 11.7 per cent.
Other cities with notable investor populations include Patras, Heraklion, Chania, Larissa and Volos.
ETFs dominate first investments
Exchange-traded funds are the most common starting point for new investors, with 56 per cent making an ETF their first investment.
These funds provide exposure to a collection of stocks through a single investment, offering a way to diversify without buying each share individually.
The most popular first investment is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which tracks the performance of 500 of the largest US companies and was chosen by 18 per cent of new Greek investors.
The S&P 500 is also the most popular investment overall, while NVIDIA is the favourite individual stock across generations.
Trading activity is concentrated around the opening of US markets, with the busiest hour falling between 5pm and 6pm, often after the working day.
Weekdays account for 91 per cent of orders, compared with 9 per cent at weekends.
Recommendations from friends also play a significant role in bringing new investors to the market, with 23 per cent saying they began investing following a referral.
Greek shares gain ground
Since Greek stocks became available on the platform in July, one in five investors has added Greek shares or ETFs to their portfolio.
The report found that 21 per cent of every euro invested since July went into Greek stocks and ETFs, while Public Power Corporation (PPC) rose to become the eighth most popular stock of the year within just three months of the market becoming available.
The findings suggest that access through a digital platform has encouraged investors to diversify beyond international markets and consider domestic companies.
The report also examined investor behaviour during the March 2026 market sell-off, finding that users bought €1.82 for every €1 they sold.
Almost half of Greek investors had not sold any of their investments, a finding Wealthyhood said pointed to a relatively long-term approach despite market volatility.
Most investors in profit
Overall, 82.8 per cent of investors were in profit, with an average annualised return of 21.1 per cent.
The report also found that investors who traded less frequently achieved higher returns than those who made more frequent trades.
Those making fewer moves and avoiding selling recorded annualised returns of 23.3 per cent, compared with 18.5 per cent among more active traders.
Wealthyhood said five broad conclusions emerged from the first year of data, including wider access to investing, a long-term investment horizon, resilience during the March sell-off, growing interest in Greek shares and positive returns across much of its investor base.
The findings indicate a gradual change in how Greek retail investors approach financial markets, with smaller initial investments, diversification through ETFs and increasing participation in domestic stocks.
Wealthyhood said its aim was to contribute to public discussion about retail participation in capital markets, using real-world anonymised data to examine who invests, what they choose and how they react during periods of uncertainty.
A couple of weeks ago LOEL celebrated 30 years of its Zivania, which has reached iconic status among lovers of this grape marc spirit. Zivania is a traditional alcoholic beverage, which has been produced for centuries in Cyprus by distillation, playing an important role in the everyday life of Cypriots.
Zivania is produced by distillation. A strong drink, it is high in alcoholic content, which according to tradition is made only from grapes. Since 2004, Zivania has been protected under EU regulations as a product unique to Cyprus and as such cannot be produced in any other country or marketed under that name. In 2008 it was classified with Protected Geographical Indication.
Zivania is characterised by its typical taste and aroma. It is colourless with a pleasant alcoholic content with light aroma of raisins. The typical alcohol content is 45% by volume. It is a pure drink that contains no sugars and has no acidity.
From tradition to protected status
Historical references to Zivania are few, probably because travellers and writers focused on the excellent Cyprus wine. Giovanni Mariti in the late 18th century tells of a drink which he names Acquavite with a description that perfectly resembles Zivania. He also mentions that this drink was exported to Syria.
Evidence of its continued production during the Ottoman and British occupation of the island comes from British writer Samuel Baker, who in 1879 reported: “…the refuse of skins and stalks is laid upon one side to ferment for the manufacture of raki, or spirit, by distillation…”
Until 1949, wine producers used to sell Zivania to wine and spirit merchants. In that year a colonial decree made the distribution of Zivania by the wine producers illegal (because the government found it too difficult to collect excise duties), thus sending production underground.
The above-mentioned colonial decree was abolished in 1998 and since then the production of Zivania has been legal, allowing producers to market it under its proper name. Quality control is ensured by the Vine Products Commission according to the Rules and Regulations of 1998 for the control of Zivania.
Zivania can only be produced in industrial units which have received approval from the Customs Department, and its distillation apparatus approved by the agriculture ministry. As a result of the new regulation, Zivania quality improved significantly.
How Zivania is produced
Zivania is produced from pomace, the residue of grapes pressed during the winemaking process mixed with high-quality dry wines, all produced from the local grape varieties of Cyprus. It is exclusively produced by the distillation of the two indigenous varieties Mavro and Xynisteri.
The process adopted for the fermentation is the one which is used for red wine making, irrespective of the grape varieties, but fermenting the whole grape mass.
The bouquet of Zivania is ensured by the volatile compounds which are transferred from the grape residue during distillation. The pomace/wine mixture is distilled in special distillation apparatus which was traditionally named ‘lambkins’, an ancient Greek word that was paraphrased by the Arabs.
Traditional distillation, as known by villagers, has today given way to modern technology and Zivania is produced in large distillation tanks made from stainless steel where the wine is mixed with the grape mass and heated up in steam. All approved Zivania producers have in-house chemical labs for analysing the final product before this reaches the market, checking that methanol levels are within the specified limits.
What makes Zivania unique
There are similar products from other countries. In mainland Greece the distillate is called tsipouro, on the island of Crete tsikoudia, in Arab speaking countries arak, in Bulgaria rakea, in Romania tsuica, in Italy grappa, in France eau-de-vie, in Slavic states vinovice and so on. Not all these drinks are made exclusively from grapes.
The authentic taste and aroma (which is a Greek word, meaning pleasant smell) of Zivania is due to its unique chemical composition and it is ensured by the volatile compounds which are transferred from the grape residue during distillation. It is believed that the differentiation between Zivania and other alcoholic beverages is related to the unique geological and climatic conditions existing in Cyprus, the methods of production and distillation and the type of grapes.
Climate of course influences the quality of both grapes and Zivania. Cyprus has an intense Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and short spring and autumn seasons. Average temperatures during ripening strongly influence potential wine and Zivania style. Sunlight duration is also very important, and it acts mainly by controlling the sugar in grapes. The most critical period for quality of the grapes is around the start of ripening. Good conditions ensure an ample reserve of sugar in the grape and flavour and aroma compounds in Zivania. Wind intensity and relative humidity and evaporation affect both quantity and quality of grapes and Zivania.
Zivania LOEL ABV 45%
Distilled from a mixture of local Xynisteri and Mavro grape pomace and dry wines. Crystal-clear appearance with a light raisin aroma, clean alcoholic warmth, and a dry finish. It contains zero sugar and zero acidity. Usually served ice-cold as an aperitif or digestif, paired with Cypriot meze, nuts, dried fruits, or savoury snacks. 20cl €4.30, 37.5cl €7, 70cl €12.50, 100cl €17.50
Where do you live? I live with my beloved wife, Anna, and our dog, Nugget.
What did you have for breakfast? I had my favourite breakfast: toasted wholegrain bread with dry anari cheese and plums. But I wish I’d had a chocolate croissant!
Describe your perfect day My perfect day would definitely be spent somewhere in nature, relaxing, having a nice coffee and enjoying a piece of my favourite sweet treat.
Best book ever read? I think my favourite book I’ve ever read is The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well. I found it fascinating to learn about how the Danes live and the habits they have. Reading it actually helped me quite a lot.
Best childhood memory? One beautiful memory I have is from when I was little and my grandfather would take me on long bicycle rides. He was a lottery ticket seller, so he would ride around the city centre selling tickets and take me along with him. It’s such a beautiful memory.
What is always in your fridge? Sparkling water, cucumbers, chocolate and home-cooked meals!
What music are you listening to in the car at the moment? I’ve been listening to Olivia Dean recently.
What’s your spirit animal? My spirit animal would definitely be some kind of bird. Whenever I see birds in the sky, I think about how much I would love to fly that high, too. Their singing also calms me down so much.
What are you most proud of? Professionally, I’m very proud of the journey I’ve had with Lash Dolls so far, and I’m also incredibly proud of our new shop.
What movie scene has really stayed with you? The scene in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things where Bella, the main character, learns how to walk. It was so iconic! It’s one of my favourite films ever.
If you could pick anyone at all, alive or dead, to go out for the evening with, who would it be? I’d choose my favourite singer, my one and only, Amy Winehouse. I would absolutely love to meet her. I was so sad when she passed away!
If you could time travel, when and where would you go? I’d travel back to the 1950s. I love the aesthetic, the shapes, the fashion — everything about that era!
What is your greatest fear? I think my greatest fear is earthquakes. I’m really scared of them.
What would you say to your 18-year-old self? First of all, I’d tell him not to take everything so seriously. I’d also tell him not to worry so much and remind him that he is worthy and that he is enough.
Name the one thing that would stop you dating someone I could never be with someone who takes themselves too seriously or doesn’t have a sense of humour!
What would you do if the world was going to end in 24 hours? I’d hug and kiss all my loved ones, have a glass of wine and enjoy a nice pasta dish by the beach.
George creates handmade fabric dolls, fluffy soft toys, accessories and illustrations. He also run creative workshops for kids, teens and adults, as well as birthday workshops. Halloween workshops will be held throughout October, followed by an annual Christmas event on December 5 and 6. Follow him on Instagram
With the introduction of “Lidl Points” within the Lidl Plus app, Lidl Cyprus is offering its customers even more flexibility, freedom of choice, and opportunities to save on their daily shopping. As of October 22, 2026, users can collect valuable points with every purchase and redeem them individually for attractive rewards – in addition to the existing benefits and discount coupons already available in the Lidl Plus app.
The mechanics of “Lidl Points” are designed to be simple, highly rewarding and transparent: every euro spent corresponds to one point collected. To maximise the benefit for customers right from the first cent, Lidl applies a fair “round-up logic”: every fraction of a euro counts as a full point (e.g., a purchase of €1.01 automatically yields 2 points). Participation and point collection are fully integrated digitally into the Lidl Plus app. To have points credited automatically, customers simply identify themselves at the checkout by scanning their digital card or entering their mobile number.
Maximum freedom, absolute flexibility for customers
Customer empowerment and fast access to rewards are at the heart of the programme. “Lidl Points” offer maximum flexibility, allowing customers to decide for themselves how and when they want to be rewarded. Unlike traditional programmes, customers do not have to wait long to unlock the benefits of their loyalty.
Users can choose from an extensive rewards catalog featuring more than 400 different free products. Alternatively, collected points can be easily converted into discount coupons to be used directly on their next purchase. To make saving even faster, Lidl will regularly launch “Extra Points Campaigns” directly within the app – starting right on Monday, November 9, 2026 with special promotions such as Double Points on selected products.
“With the launch of ‘Lidl Points,’ we are taking the next logical and consistent step in the evolution of Lidl Plus,” said said Afroditi Pampa, Chief Customer Officer of Lidl Cyprus. “We want to offer our customers not only the best value for money, but also the smartest, simplest and most enjoyable shopping experience. Our customers decide for themselves how they want to be rewarded for their loyalty: uncomplicated, digital and transparent.”
Long-term benefits include no end-of-month pressure
Lidl is committed to a long-term customer relationship: collected points remain valid for 24 months. This marks a significant improvement for customers, as the pressure of points expiring at the end of each calendar month is completely eliminated. Customers can comfortably accumulate their points over a long period to save up for higher-value rewards.
To celebrate the launch of “Lidl Points,” all users will receive an attractive welcome bonus of 100 points, allowing them to experience the initiative’s benefits immediately. In accordance with legal standards, certain product categories such as tobacco products, baby food, pharmaceuticals and shopping bags (large and small) are excluded from earning points.
Saudi Aramco has told staff to evacuate its Dhahran headquarters and work remotely, six people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday, a day after two people were killed in an attack on a nearby airport.
The move marked the first time Aramco had asked staff to evacuate its headquarters since the start of the Iran war. Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis caused extensive damage to the company’s headquarters earlier this month when they struck the building, with fire spreading across several floors, three people with direct knowledge told Reuters.
The facility hosts an operations centre, which helps the world’s largest oil company oversee onshore and offshore oil rigs, refineries, export terminals and thousands of kilometres of pipelines.
It was unclear what the reason for the evacuation was.
Two people were killed and eight injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil hub of Dammam on Wednesday evening, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said on Thursday. Dammam lies around 15 km (9 miles) north of Dhahran.
Separately, two people were killed on Wednesday after Saudi air defences intercepted a drone that was attempting to hit a facility at Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield, which is located hundreds of kilometres to the southeast, the energy ministry said.
Saudi Arabia has responded to Houthi attacks with a wave of strikes on missile launcher sites, vowing to protect the kingdom, and says it has intercepted many ballistic missiles fired by the group.
The kingdom has been seeking wider support from allies for its campaign against the Houthis and to help it ward off their missile and drone attacks.
Washington, Saudi Arabia’s strongest ally and longtime security guarantor, has so far rebuffed Saudi efforts to bring it directly into the war against the Houthis.
The US State Department ordered some diplomats and family members to depart from its missions in Saudi Arabia and plans to withdraw family members from a number of other US missions in the region, US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.
Washington had returned some diplomatic personnel to the region in recent months after many were pulled out when Tehran launched attacks on US facilities after the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February.
The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) has thanked those who attended the funeral of its late deputy general managerNikos Trypatsas, and those who sent condolences, laid wreaths or made donations in his memory.
In an announcement issued on Thursday, the exchange’s council and staff expressed their gratitude to everyone who paid tribute to Trypatsas, honouring his long-standing contribution to the organisation, his integrity and his character.
Trypatsas passed away on Monday following a prolonged battle with cancer, having served the CSE for 32 years after joining the organisation in 1994.
The exchange announced three days of mourning following his death, with flags flown at half-mast in his memory.
In its initial tribute, the CSE described his death as an irreplaceable loss to the organisation and to those who had worked alongside him.
It praised his professional career, dedication and contribution to the exchange’s work and mission, saying he had left an enduring mark on the organisation.
The CSE also paid tribute to his personal qualities and relationships with colleagues, describing him as an exceptional co-worker and a valued friend.
“The CSE family is saying goodbye to an exceptional colleague, but above all, a precious friend,” the exchange said.
The Heritage Private School of Limassol is delighted to announce that it has once again been awarded the prestigious British Council International School Award (ISA) for 2026–2029, in recognition of its “Outstanding Development of the International Dimension in the Curriculum”.
The School is proud to be the only school in Cyprus to hold this distinction, having maintained its ISA status continuously since 2008.
This recognition is particularly significant in demonstrating that a genuinely international education is not defined by any single curriculum or qualification. At Heritage, the academic strength and rigour of the British curriculum, A Levels and the Apolytirion are complemented by a rich international dimension, with global perspectives, experiences and opportunities embedded throughout school life.
International engagement is central to the School’s mission: “Inspiring curious minds, fostering holistic excellence, and building a strong community of responsible global citizens”. With more than 1600 students representing over 55 nationalities, the School appreciates cultural diversity and promotes respect for individuals, cultures and traditions, while celebrating the Cypriot culture within which its community lives and learns.
Growing potential for an interconnected world
The School actively seeks to develop confident, compassionate and responsible global citizens who are equipped to reach their full potential and contribute positively to an increasingly interconnected world. This commitment is reflected in a wide range of international educational experiences.
During 2025 and continuing into 2026, students have participated in and prepared for initiatives including four Model United Nations conferences in Athens and The Hague, the Model European Council, a UNESCO Symposium, the Euromath & Euroscience Conference, the Young Naturalists League programme in Thessaloniki and a World Challenge expedition to Vietnam. Through Erasmus+, the School works with international partner schools, providing opportunities for reciprocal student exchanges and collaborative educational projects that promote intercultural understanding and shared learning.
The School’s international engagement is further strengthened by its distinction as the only APSnet UNESCO-certified private school in Cyprus and one of only two PASCH-accredited schools in the country. Through PASCH (Schools: Partners for the Future), students benefit from opportunities for international exchange, educational projects, competitions, language courses and multinational summer schools in Germany. The School’s commitment to this initiative was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Cyprus, representatives of the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Goethe-Institut Cyprus.
Beyond these initiatives, students take part in a variety of national and international competitions spanning entrepreneurship, mathematics, languages, creative writing, poetry and peace, including Junior Achievement, Kangourou, the Lions International Peace Poster Competition and the AMOPA Plaisir d’écrire International Competition.
Fostering responsible global citizenship
The School’s commitment to responsible global citizenship also extends to service and community engagement. Volunteering is an integral part of school life, with the School supporting 10 local charities and sponsoring a child in Rwanda through ActionAid. Educational and cultural trips abroad, alongside themed learning days in the Primary School, further encourage students to explore different civilisations, traditions and perspectives.
The British Council International School Award recognises the School’s sustained commitment to developing international perspectives across the curriculum, fostering meaningful partnerships and creating enriching learning experiences that broaden students’ horizons beyond the depth of academic study.
Looking ahead, the School remains committed to expanding its international partnerships and creating meaningful learning opportunities that inspire students to embrace different cultures and develop a global perspective which further enriches their academic excellence.
The Association of Cyprus Banks (ACB) is taking part for the sixth consecutive year in the ASPIS awareness campaign, urging the public to remain vigilant against online scams and protect their personal and banking information.
The campaign is being run in cooperation with the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications and Postal Regulation and the Cyprus Police, with the aim of protecting citizens from electronic fraud and strengthening security in digital transactions.
In an announcement, the association urged people to be “particularly careful” when dealing with suspicious text messages, emails and telephone calls requesting personal or banking details, passwords or transaction verification codes.
“A sense of urgency, suspicious links and requests for immediate confirmation of details are warning signs that should raise concerns among citizens,” the association said.
“As electronic transactions and digital communication become an integral part of everyday life, the methods used by fraudsters are constantly evolving,” it added.
“Awareness and prevention are therefore essential tools for protecting citizens and their property,” the association said.
The banking association stressed that the security of data, information and transactions remains a constant priority for the banking sector and the association itself.
“Banks invest in the security of their systems and transactions, while informing citizens about risks and protective measures remains crucial,” it pointed out.
The ASPIS campaign also underlines the importance of cooperation between the relevant authorities and the active participation of the public in efforts to create a safer digital environment, the association said.
Information on avoiding online scams, together with key warning signs that can help people identify attempted fraud, is available on the association’s website.
The association added that raising awareness and adopting simple digital security practices could make a substantial contribution to preventing fraud.
“Protection against online scams is everyone’s responsibility,” the association stressed.
“Awareness, vigilance and the responsible use of digital services are the first line of defence,” it concluded.
British spies monitored Nye Bevan, the much lauded architect of the National Health Service, for three decades because of his links to the Communist Party and criticism of Britain’s government in World War Two, newly released papers show.
Declassified secret documents from MI5 made public by the National Archives on Thursday reveal that Bevan’s activities in parliament, and his movements and meetings outside, were closely watched by MI5 from 1933 until his death in 1960.
MI5 had suspected that Bevan, a committed socialist and one of the most prominent parliamentary critics of Winston Churchill and his wartime coalition, was a communist sympathiser.
However, the agency’s investigations seem to have determined that there was nothing to worry about.
“What information we have on Bevan’s relations with the Communist Party since 1943 show that from time to time both the Communist Party and the Trotskyists have made attempts to get him to work with them without success,” a 1955 note said.
Bevan, who died in 1960, became health secretary after the war and is credited with founding the state-funded NHS in 1948.
While the one-time Welsh coal miner was heralded for his oratory skills, he was also seen as a highly divisive figure, not just within the Labour Party but the country as whole.
Two years after his death, a review of his MI5 case file stated: “Considering what a controversial character Nye Bevan was, the file is remarkably tame.”
The other newly material released also included MI5 files about Wolfgang zu Putlitz, a German diplomat who leaked information about Hitler’s plans to Britain, and Soviet agents and suspected operatives such as Frank Bossard who was jailed for 21 years for passing defence material to Russian spies.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will host his counterparts from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Britain, France and Germany in Istanbul on Friday for talks on regional conflicts, a Turkish diplomatic source said on Thursday.
The seven countries will meet in this format for the first time, at Turkey’s initiative, the source said, as wars involving Iran, Yemen and Ukraine threaten shipping routes and regional security.
The ministers are expected to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the latest situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments related to Yemen, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and opportunities for closer cooperation between the regional and European countries, the person added.
Fidan is expected to emphasise the need for a diplomatic solution to the war between the United States and Iran, the importance of freedom of navigation in the straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, and reiterate Turkey’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security against attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the source said.
He will also tell counterparts that Turkey has been working to stop the war in Ukraine spreading to the Black Sea, pointing to the regional security risks posed by the conflict, the source added.
Companies and governments worldwide rushed on Thursday to patch critical flaws in the widely used PHP programming language, as a cybersecurity company reported millions of hacking attempts after the vulnerabilities were disclosed.
The push came after governments in Europe and elsewhere took websites offline as a precaution on Wednesday while website operators scrambled to secure systems running the software.
The emergency shutdowns of banking, airline, rail, tax and government services from Tokyo to Helsinki showed how much public and corporate systems rely on the software, and how hard it is to fix such flaws quickly once they are made public.
“It was a long day and a long night, I know for all the IT and security folks … I’ve not seen anything like this in a long, long time,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said at a company event in Cologne, Germany, on Thursday.
He said the episode underscored the importance of building digital systems that can be maintained securely.
PHP developers released urgent fixes on Wednesday for vulnerabilities that had lurked in the software for years until they were uncovered using AI, urging users to “update immediately”.
“Details of these flaws became public before fixes were ready, and attacks have since been reported,” said Madeline Lawrence, co-founder of Belgian cybersecurity firm Aikido Security.
“So companies are racing to update against attackers who can use AI to exploit them. That’s the whole race.”
As companies and governments deployed patches and suspended websites as a precaution, hacking attempts surged into the millions, according to cloud services firm Cloudflare NET.N.
“In the 10 hours before it was publicly announced, across the network we saw thousands of attempts to exploit it,” Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince said in a post on X late on Wednesday.
“That jumped to tens of thousands in the 45 minutes post announcement, hundreds of thousands within 2 hours, and millions now.”
FROM JAPAN TO FINLAND
Japanese companies including brokerage Nomura, lender Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, airline ANA and East Japan Railway said on Thursday they were temporarily suspending some internet services as part of emergency measures.
Insurer Tokio Marine Holdings 8766.T said it had suspended the website of a group company.
Japan’s Ministry of Finance and Meteorological Agency partially suspended online services to implement safety measures, while Japan’s National Tax Agency temporarily took down its service.
The precautionary shutdowns underscore growing concerns over cybersecurity in Japan, which recorded more cyber incidents in the first nine months of the year than in all of last year, according to data from TrendAI.
French telecoms group Orange ORAN.PA said it had temporarily suspended access to certain PHP-based websites and applications across several subsidiaries as a precaution.
Tencent Cloud, one of China’s largest cloud-computing providers, urged customers to install updated PHP versions but stopped short of calling for widespread website shutdowns.
Finland’s state IT services provider Valtori said it had continued installing PHP security patches overnight and was gradually lifting precautionary service blocks after shutting down government public web services a day earlier.
“Restoring services can take days or even weeks, as in addition to updates, the systems need to be carefully tested,” Valtori Director General Hannu Naumanen said in a statement.
Valtori said the outages were not caused by exploitation of the vulnerabilities or by a cyber breach, and that it was not aware of any active exploitation of the flaws.
Several Asian governments ordered cybersecurity inspections related to the PHP vulnerabilities on Thursday.
China’s industry ministry urged organizations and users to inspect systems immediately and upgrade to the latest secure version of PHP. It also recommended strengthening cybersecurity monitoring and changing accounts, passwords and keys where necessary.
South Korea raised its private-sector cybersecurity alert level and activated emergency response measures, citing concerns over an increased risk of hacking attacks.
Emirates showcased new accessibility initiatives at the AccessAbilities Expo 2026 in Dubai, highlighting technologies and services designed to help passengers with disabilities travel with greater independence, including its travel rehearsal programme, which has also been held at Larnaca airport.
The airline presented its latest concepts at an interactive stand at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where the expo took place from October 19 to 21, bringing together accessibility solutions and inclusive innovation.
The exhibition was opened by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group and patron of AccessAbilities Expo.
Among the concepts presented by Emirates were an aircraft cabin familiarisation experience for passengers with partial or total vision loss, an accessible lounge suite for people with limited mobility, and biometric boarding gates designed to accommodate passengers with accessibility needs.
“Our ambition is to help shape a more inclusive future for aviation by placing accessibility at the heart of the passenger experience,” said Mostafa Karam, divisional senior vice-president for customer affairs and service audit at Emirates.
“We are not limiting ourselves to individual services, but working with our partners to examine accessibility at every stage of the journey, from planning and the airport environment to the onboard experience and destinations,” Karam added.
“Guided by passengers’ needs and personal experiences, we are focusing on practical improvements that reduce barriers, widen choice and enable everyone to travel with greater clarity, confidence, independence and dignity,” he said.
Cabin familiarisation and accessible airport technology
One of the main attractions at the Emirates stand was an immersive experience designed to simulate key aspects of travelling in an aircraft cabin for passengers with partial or total vision loss.
Combining audio, tactile exploration of the seat and guided interaction with staff, the experience recreates important moments onboard in a calm, carefully designed environment.
Visitors could try it while seated in a genuine Emirates A350 aircraft seat fitted with a U-Dream headrest.
Audio narration describes features of the surrounding cabin, demonstrating how thoughtful design can help passengers understand their surroundings, build confidence and travel more independently and comfortably.
The airline also presented its Emirates Biometric Path system, used at its main hub in Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport.
The accessible boarding gates are designed without physical barriers and use biometric technology to help passengers with accessibility needs move through the airport more smoothly and independently.
The area now features flexible camera coverage, with cameras automatically adjusting their height and angle without restricting the movement of passengers using specialised wheelchairs.
Emirates has also upgraded its self-service check-in kiosks with text-to-speech functionality, improved touchscreen usability, Braille and tactile features, headphone connectivity for audio access and height-adjustable screens.
New accessible lounge suite
The airline unveiled a prototype of a dedicated lounge suite designed for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility, offering a private and comfortable space to rest before a flight.
Emirates first introduced its lounge suites in first-class lounges in 2024, combining premium finishes with features such as wireless charging and entertainment screens, alongside space to relax, work and dine.
The new accessible version is intended for wheelchair users, older travellers and people who need additional room, assistance transferring into and out of a seat, or support with posture.
Following the design of Emirates lounges, it incorporates wood, leather and marble finishes, together with an electrically adjustable armchair offering lift, swivel and recline functions, as well as support handles.
A dedicated wheelchair storage area and sufficient transfer space are also included, allowing passengers to use the suite independently or with assistance from a companion.
The prototype is being developed for first class, with the possibility of extending the concept to other cabin classes in the future.
Travel rehearsals include Larnaca
Emirates also highlighted its existing Travel Rehearsals programme, which works with airports worldwide to help autistic children and young adults, together with their families and support networks, familiarise themselves with the airport journey before taking a real flight.
The sessions are intended to reduce travel-related anxiety and build confidence by allowing participants to practise the different stages of moving through an airport in advance.
More than 35,000 Emirates employees have received training to support passengers on the autism spectrum and help facilitate both their journeys and their participation in the rehearsals.
The airline’s teams work with airport authorities and other partners to create a supportive and positive environment for families taking part.
Emirates has so far completed 80 Travel Rehearsals across six continents, benefiting more than 400 families.
The programme has been held at airports including Larnaca, Athens, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Paris, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Delhi, Tokyo and Hong Kong, among many others.
Online travel support and sensory products
The airline also directs passengers to its Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub on Emirates.com, which provides information about accessibility services and assistance to help them plan their journeys.
Passengers can browse information according to their needs, including mobility assistance, visual or hearing difficulties and other non-visible support requirements.
They can also search by journey stage, covering preparation before a flight, departure from Dubai, the onboard experience, connections in Dubai and arrival in the city.
Other resources include information on requesting special assistance, a travel guide for passengers on the autism spectrum, maps and sensory guides for Dubai International Airport, and access to Emirates support through the Be My Eyes app for people with vision loss.
The hub also provides information on applying for Dubai’s Sanad tourist card, which offers access to useful services in the city.
Dedicated sections cover travelling with wheelchairs and mobility aids, as well as medical travel. These include the Frequent Traveller Medical Card, known as FREMEC, for eligible passengers with stable medical needs, alongside guidance on carrying medicines and medical devices.
Family travel information covers flying with children, travelling during pregnancy and arrangements for unaccompanied minors.
Emirates has also developed sensory products and activity toys for passengers of all ages, available onboard across all cabin classes.
The items are intended to provide familiar tactile activities that may help some neurodivergent passengers manage sensory input, concentrate or feel more comfortable during a flight.
They include an aircraft-shaped tactile stress-relief item, two types of fidget cube and a stretchy, aircraft-shaped popper toy.
The products may be offered to neurodivergent passengers, people experiencing difficulties during a flight and those who feel anxious about flying, where appropriate.
Accessibility features in onboard entertainment
Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system offers more than 850 films with closed captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers, alongside 200 films with audio description for passengers with vision loss.
The airline’s headphones are also compatible with hearing aids when the devices are switched to the T setting.
For passengers seeking relaxation or help managing anxiety, the entertainment system includes 12 wellbeing television channels and 31 channels featuring podcasts and playlists of meditation content and calming sounds.
On its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, Emirates has developed a new user interface in collaboration with Thales and organisations supporting people with vision loss.
The interface includes audio navigation cues, voice announcements and support for touch and swipe gestures, allowing passengers with partial or total vision loss to browse and select entertainment more independently.
Accessible chauffeur-driven vehicles in Dubai
Emirates has made 10 wheelchair-accessible branded vehicles available to passengers in Dubai through its Chauffeur Drive service.
The vehicles are Mercedes V-Class models modified with lowered floors for easier and safer access, increased interior height, an electrically operated passenger entry and exit mechanism, and adaptable seating arrangements.
Additional restraint systems are fitted to improve safety for passengers with significant mobility limitations.
Chauffeur Drive staff receive training in mobility assistance and in serving passengers with accessibility needs.
For now, the vehicles are available to eligible first-class and business-class passengers whose Chauffeur Drive service is based in Dubai, with plans to expand availability in the future.
Emirates’ wider accessibility commitments
The airline said it was continuing to develop accessible travel solutions gradually, prioritising innovation while focusing on measures it considers appropriate and responsible.
It is also working with international partners, including regulators, airport operators, specialist organisations, communities and passengers, to improve accessibility throughout the travel experience.
Emirates aims to strengthen accessibility through greater international standardisation of procedures and a consistent passenger experience across online services, call centres, airports and aircraft.
The airline began operating in Cyprus in 1994 and has served more than 2.1 million passengers in the Cypriot market over the past 32 years.
Founded in 1985 with two aircraft, Emirates has grown into the world’s largest international airline.
Its ice entertainment system offers more than 6,500 channels, while the airline also highlights the hospitality and personalised service provided by its multicultural cabin crew.
A new group exhibition opens at The Gallery 45 in Limassol on October 22, featuring the works of five Armenian and Iranian contemporary artists. Curated by Andronik Kachiian of the Hosq Foundation, Armenia, the exhibition is titled Land Written in Verse: Contemporary Landscapes.
On view until November 29, the exhibition features the artists Armen Hakobjanyan, Astghik Petrosyan, Ayda Roozbayani, Iman Ebrahimpour and Maryam Khastoo, whose works explore the relationship between nature, memory, identity and the places we inhabit.
Moving beyond the traditional representation of landscape, the exhibition considers how the places around us are experienced, remembered, and reimagined. Through painting, ceramic sculpture, drawing and photography, the works offer different perspectives on natural and urban environments, revealing how our surroundings can reflect both the world we see and the emotions and memories associated with it.
Land Written in Verse: Contemporary Landscapes
Exhibition by Armen Hakobjanyan, Astghik Petrosyan, Ayda Roozbayani, Iman Ebrahimpour, and Maryam Khastoo. October 22-November 29. The Gallery 45, Limassol. Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm. Saturday by appointment. www.thegallery45.com
Workers across all education ministry support programmes – such as educational and technical courses – will strike for 24 hours on Friday, citing the government’s failure to meet commitments and resolve employment issues.
In a joint statement, SEK and PEO demanded written responses and practical solutions and warned of another strike – possibly indefinite – and protest outside the presidential palace on November 2 if their demands were not met.
The unions said they had postponed planned action on October 5 for a fortnight at the education minister’s request, but no significant progress had been made.
They said hundreds of workers have been without income since May, with others losing jobs to permanent teachers working overtime.
Their key demands include a summer allowance backdated to June-August 2026, filling fixed-term positions for the 2026-2027 schoolyear and lifting restrictions on additional employment, provided the 48-hour legal limit is adhered to.
The unions stated that any escalation of the situation rests with the government, emphasising the workers’ need for employment, a fair income and their rights respected.
The Cyprus Olympic Committee (COC) and Allwyn Cyprus (Diamond Partner) officially renewed their sponsorship partnership on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, reinforcing their longstanding commitment to Cypriot sport and the athletes who represent Cyprus on the international stage.
The signing took place at Allwyn’s offices in Nicosia, in the presence of COC President Georgios Chrysostomou; Allwyn Cyprus CEO Alexandros Ntavos; and leading Cypriot athletes preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Chrysostomou: ‘Allwyn among strongest, most consistent supporters of society’
In his address, the Cyprus Olympic Committee chief thanked Allwyn for its longstanding trust and support, emphasising that the partnership is built on shared values, mutual respect and genuine friendship.
He particularly highlighted the company’s contribution as Diamond Partner, enabling larger Cypriot delegations to participate in major international competitions, and pointing out that increased competition opportunities can lead to significant achievements.
“Every athlete who has the opportunity to represent Cyprus also represents a chance for our country to succeed, and that is an opportunity worth supporting. Allwyn has made a substantial contribution to turning these opportunities into reality,” said COC President Chrysostomou.
He also emphasised the two organisations’ shared commitment to sport, health, education, culture and social responsibility.
Additionally, Chrysostomou referred to new provisions in the agreement that allow Allwyn to engage athletes from the Cypriot Olympic team, who are included in the Cyprus Olympic Committee’s support programmes, in the company’s promotional and other activities. The agreement also allows Allwyn to provide direct sponsorship to individual athletes, subject to the Cyprus Olympic Committee’s approval.
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, Chrysostomou also pointed out that: “Support for our athletes cannot be occasional. It must be consistent and long-term, creating the right conditions for their development and success.”
Ntavos: ‘Supporting athletes an investment in those who inspire’
For his part, Allwyn Cyprus CEO Alexandros Ntavos elaborated on the longstanding partnership with the Cyprus Olympic Committee, an organisation that has remained committed to the Olympic ideal and supported the development of sport in Cyprus since its establishment.
“For Allwyn, supporting Cyprus’s athletes is an investment in people who inspire through their dedication and achievements. We are proud to continue standing alongside the Cyprus Olympic Committee, contributing to our athletes’ journey towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” he said.
Nikolaou: ‘No athlete moves forward alone’
The event was presented by shooting athlete Konstantina Nikolaou, who spoke about the dedication required to achieve sporting success and the importance of supporting athletes.
“I have learnt that, however important individual effort may be, no athlete moves forward alone. Family, coaches, fellow athletes and organisations that believe in our potential all play a decisive role in this journey,” she said.
Also in attendance were track and field athletes Milan Trajkovic and Joseph Kesidis, weightlifter Maria Markou and judoka Giannis Antoniou, each preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. They shared the following comments.
Trajkovic: ‘My relationship with Allwyn like family’
The track and field champion thanked Allwyn for its longstanding support and the Cyprus Olympic Committee for its efforts to strengthen Cypriot sport. Speaking about the next generation, Trajkovic stressed the importance of supporting young talent and expressed his determination to give his best through to Los Angeles 2028.
Antoniou: ‘Allwyn, Cyprus Olympic Committee motivate us to work even harder’
Judo champion Antoniou thanked Allwyn and the Cyprus Olympic Committee for their support, emphasising that it goes beyond financial assistance, fostering a sense of family and trust. He noted that the partnership provides athletes with a strong incentive to intensify their efforts and represent Cyprus with distinction in upcoming competitions.
Kesidis: ‘It is important to feel you are there for us’
Track and field champion Kesidis expressed his pleasure at the renewal of the partnership, thanking Allwyn and the Cyprus Olympic Committee for their support. He noted that financial assistance makes a meaningful contribution to athletes’ preparation and their ability to achieve their goals, particularly during a demanding competitive season.
Markou: ‘All athletes must be embraced’
Para-powerlifting champion Markou thanked Allwyn and the Cyprus Olympic Committee for their support and inclusion of athletes with disabilities. She stressed that every athlete has personal goals and needs the right conditions in which to prepare. Markou expressed hope the partnership would help athletes prepare more effectively and achieve further successes and national records ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
The renewal of the partnership reaffirms both organisations’ commitment to continuing to create opportunities for Cypriot athletes and strengthening Cyprus’ presence on the international Olympic stage.
Rivals from the centre-left to the far right have turned on Jean-Luc Melenchon and his France Unbowed (LFI) party, accusing them of fuelling France’s worst civil unrest in years.
Melenchon, who launched his fourth presidential bid in May and remains the hard left’s strongest hope of reaching next year’s election run-off, has faced mounting criticism since unrest engulfed several French cities, with opponents saying years of confrontational rhetoric helped fuel tensions now spilling onto the streets.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu sharpened those attacks on Tuesday, telling an LFI lawmaker that the party’s “political agenda of instilling violence and chaos in the country was now on full display”.
The 75-year-old leader has rejected suggestions that LFI bears responsibility for the unrest, accusing the government instead of failing to address deep-rooted social and economic grievances in France’s poorer suburbs.
Melenchon faces criticism from across political spectrum
But criticism has come from across the political spectrum.
Gerard Larcher, the president of the Senate, told Le Figaro this week it was worth considering whether LFI should be banned, a suggestion decried as “authoritarian” by LFI.
Laurent Jacobelli, a spokesperson for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN), blamed “the ultra-left, including France Unbowed”, as well as what he called uncontrolled immigration, for creating a revolutionary climate.
Marc Fesneau, of centrist party MoDem, said Melenchon had long promoted the idea that “everything must be a battleground”.
“When you turn everything into a confrontation, you run serious risks,” Fesneau told Reuters.
The attacks underscore both Melenchon’s central place in French politics and the unease he provokes as the country heads toward a presidential election expected to pit increasingly strong anti-establishment forces against a weakened political centre.
The unrest has reinforced that contrast, shifting scrutiny onto the hard left while allowing Le Pen to strike a more presidential tone on law and order, an issue that traditionally favours the far right.
Yet with France’s political landscape fragmented into three rival blocs and traditional centre-left and centre-right parties struggling, analysts say Melenchon remains a formidable political force.
Young voters remain key to Melenchon’s appeal
LFI has built its support by mobilising younger voters, many of whom have grown disillusioned with mainstream politics. An IFOP poll for LCI published this month put Melenchon on 16.5%, behind Le Pen’s 36% but ahead of all other mainstream candidates.
A Cluster17 poll found nearly half of 18-to-24-year-olds and more than a third of 25-to-34-year-olds would back Melenchon.
That has made him a prominent voice for many students involved in the protest movement and wider unrest that has shaken France in recent weeks.
However, Frederic Dabi, head of pollster IFOP, said the unrest risked reinforcing one of Melenchon’s biggest electoral weaknesses: his inability to win over older voters.
“The perception that Jean-Luc Melenchon has been too indulgent towards perpetrators of violence is an absolute red line for a large part of the electorate,” Dabi said.
Nevertheless, the party has also built strong support in poorer urban areas and among many voters from immigrant backgrounds who see themselves reflected in Melenchon’s vision of a “New France” — a multicultural republic that embraces ethnic and religious diversity and gives greater political representation to communities that often feel overlooked.
Supporters say that reflects social realities rather than identity politics.
“It’s the unique synthesis between a programme of revolutionary rupture and the desire to govern the country,” LFI lawmaker Hadrien Clouet told Reuters.
Clouet said that meant tackling inequality and reversing a decades-long transfer of wealth towards finance and a narrow oligarchic elite.
Yet critics say LFI often blurs the line between democratic protest and more radical political agitation.
Revolutionary rhetoric comes under scrutiny
Melenchon has frequently invoked the language of popular uprising. During the pensions crisis of 2023, he urged supporters to “tear down the citadel” of President Emmanuel Macron’s government and has at times spoken favourably of “citizen insurrection” as a democratic force.
Supporters say such language refers to mass political mobilisation, not violence. The party officially advocates non-violent action.
LFI and its allies argue some of the accusations are politically motivated. This week, investigative news outlet Mediapart reported, citing an anonymous intelligence officer, that officials had been instructed to portray LFI as being behind the protest movement despite what the source described as a lack of evidence. The government denied the allegation.
Still, opponents say Melenchon’s messaging is often deliberately ambiguous.
“They say they are against vandals, but at the same time they justify masks at demonstrations,” said Sylvain Maillard of Macron’s Renaissance party. “They never calm things down. They always say it’s the police’s fault. They want chaos.”
Former Socialist President Francois Hollande, however, warned against making Melenchon the sole focus of the debate.
“It is not one political party or one individual that poured fuel on the fire,” Hollande told France Inter. While criticising LFI for sometimes drawing an equivalence between rioter violence and police violence, he said: “To fixate on LFI is to fail to see what is happening in the country.”
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman has said that he will “immediately” accept the opening of formal negotiations with the aim of resolving the Cyprus problem if his counterpart, President Nikos Christodoulides, unconditionally accepts that there be a rotating presidency in a post-solution Cyprus.
He said the issue had most recently been raised during the United Nations’ high-level week last month, when both he and Christodoulides were in New York, with Christodoulides having requested a tripartite meeting with him and either UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres or Cyprus problem envoy Maria Angela Holguin.
With Christodoulides pushing for a meeting before both men returned to Cyprus, Erhurman said that Holguin had informed him that “the Greek Cypriot side was ready to accept the rotating presidency”.
In response, he said, he had said that “I am ready to sit at the negotiating table if the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, explicitly and unconditionally accepts the rotating presidency”.
However, he said, he “received no response” to this, and as such, no meeting was held before both men returned from New York.
“Our stance is consistent and stable. We are ready for all kinds of negotiations, but the preparation must be done properly. We are pushing for a result,” he said.
In the absence of this commitment, he said, “I did not want a token meeting” or a “photo opportunity meeting”, but instead, “I want to get work done.”
Christodoulides said Erhurman wishes to set ‘preconditions’
Those comments come after Christodoulides had accused him of attempting to set “preconditions” on the resumption of negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem in reaction to his insistence on a rotating presidency.
“It is clear that the Turkish side … is setting terms and preconditions for the resumption of talks. They are demanding that we accept, in advance, specific positions of interest to the Turkish Cypriot community, while showing absolutely no willingness to discuss or accept our own positions on other significant aspects of the Cyprus problem,” he said.
He added that “it is for this reason that I have repeatedly stated that all these issues must be discussed at the negotiating table”.
“In my view, setting terms and preconditions prior to the resumption of negotiations is a tactic which does not facilitate progress,” he said, before adding that the Turkish Cypriot side’s view is “particularly revealing” as it “sheds light on why the talks have not yet resumed” and “highlights one of the primary reasons for this continued delay”.
Dana: Rotating presidency an indispensable component of political equality
The rotating presidency has long been viewed by the Turkish Cypriot side as being fundamental to the political equality between Cyprus’ two major communities which is stipulated by United Nations resolutions.
Erhurman’s undersecretary Mehmet Dana had told the Cyprus Mail that it is an “indispensable component” of political equality, saying that “political equality forms the foundation of a structure requiring the joint exercise of a limited number of specific powers, shared competences, and this is not open to negotiation”.
He added that the “primary reason” for the collapse of previous rounds of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, and “specifically” those between Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci at Crans-Montana in 2017, was that “political equality was made a subject of negotiation and subsequently used to cause a deadlock in the process”.
Therefore, he said, “guided by the [United Nations] secretary-general’s approach that ‘this time must be different’, acceptance of this issue in principle must occur prior to the commencement of the negotiation process”.
“Naturally, once the rotating presidency is accepted in principle, the specific terms, such as the duration of the respective tenures and other details, would be negotiated once the talks actually begin,” he said.
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