Neophytou leads internal poll for presidential nomination
Get European news in your inbox daily
A short daily digest of the whole continent — or just the countries you care about.
Check your email. We've sent a confirmation link — click it to complete your subscription.
Averof Neophytou has taken a clear lead in the internal race to become the Democratic Rally (DISY) presidential candidate. His rival, Giorgos Pamboridis, remains in contention, though the poll suggests the party faithful currently prefer the familiar face of the longtime deputy. The contest is the early opening act for an election cycle that remains years away.
The UN envoy for the island, Maria Angela Holguin, is in the country for a scheduled meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. Simultaneously, officials are addressing a list of 350 hotels currently facing closure. The properties have failed to meet urban planning and fire safety rules, and MPs are now considering a legislative proposal for a two-year grace period to keep the doors open and the staff employed.
Parliamentary staff have taken the unusual step of filing a formal complaint against several MPs for "dismissive behavior," a move aimed at forcing some institutional decorum back into the chambers. Separately, the government has formally declared the maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya null and void, while trade unions are protesting to protect their provident funds from proposed state reforms.