Various issues dominate the front pages of today’s newspapers, including disputes and statements by parties and candidates ahead of the elections, now just nine days away, polling results, remarks by the Minister of Labour on the Social Insurance Fund (TKA), the President’s speech before the Greek Parliament, the Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, the expanding investigations into the Pentakomo Integrated Waste Management Facility (OEDA), which now reportedly extend to the former Auditor General, and warnings by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) over possible electricity price increases.
Alithia leads with the headline "Odysseas in the Frame of Pentakomo Investigations", reporting that instructions were given for a criminal investigation and that the Attorney General avoided answering whether the former Auditor General is also under investigation. In another report, it notes that areas were left without electricity for 40 minutes yesterday. Alithia also highlights the outcome of yesterday’s Trump-Xi discussions in Beijing.
Politis, under the headline "The ‘Open’ Pools of Votes", features the first part of a poll conducted on its behalf, showing how voting intentions are distributed by gender, age and district. Elsewhere, it reports that an actuarial study indicates full repayment of debt to the Social Insurance Fund by 2066. In another report, Politis highlights calls by political parties urging Odysseas Michaelides to withdraw while investigations concerning him remain pending.
Phileleftheros leads with "Super Fund for Investments", reporting that while profits had been expected from natural gas, they may instead come from the Social Insurance Fund, as the existing debt of €12 billion is expected to be repaid. Elsewhere, it reports that Cyprus ranks as the third worst country in the EU for fatal road incidents involving young people, with most victims being drivers of vehicles or scooters. In another report, Phileleftheros writes that Vasiliko is being transformed into a major energy hub through multiple infrastructure developments.
Haravgi headlines with "Five AKEL Priorities in the New Parliament" and refers to yesterday’s statements by the party’s Secretary General, who said that upcoming battles require a strong AKEL guided by society’s needs. Elsewhere, it reports that EAC trade unions are warning of electricity price increases. It also highlights the Videogate case, noting that the President is avoiding taking even minimal political responsibility.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline "Greece Is Our Closest Ally, President Says", focuses on the President’s speech before the Greek Parliament and his remarks on the Turkish occupation. Elsewhere, it reports on the activation by the Cypriot Presidency of a crisis mechanism related to hantavirus concerns. It also carries a story about a mural created in Lakatamia for a cat that was poisoned.
The weekly Gnomi headlines with "Unholy Alliance!" and writes that DISY and DIKO, in order to remain in power, are relying on ELAM and the far right, which it describes as “the fifth column of capital”. It also reports on what it describes as organised settlement activity in Trozena and includes information on polling stations for the 24 May elections.
To Pontiki, under the headline "Potential Cyprus Developments Will Be Handled by a Dangerous Political Landscape", reports in its lead story on the future composition of the National Council after the new Parliament is formed, which, based on statements by the President, may be called upon to handle a new settlement plan. Elsewhere, it reports that Turkish media foresee a possible war with Greece in October. It also highlights the issue of the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas through new regulations and incentives for foreign buyers.
