The state of the economy due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and the war in the Middle East, the revelation that local breeds of sheep and cattle have been infected with the disease triggering alarm among Veterinary Services, the joint mobilisation of PEO and Turkish Cypriot trade unions on labour issues, the promotion of Filippa Karsera to the post of Ambassador, and the Transport Minister’s statement that Cyprus is not facing fuel shortages are the main topics in today’s newspapers.
Alithia leads with the headline “Strange meritocracy of N. Christodoulides…” and writes that the First Lady was promoted to the rank of Ambassador in salary scale A15, adding that “nepotism has ultimately been normalised”. Elsewhere the paper writes that the President has dismissed the concerns of livestock farmers and that they are choosing confrontation with new measures. In another report it publishes statements by the President of the Republic and the Turkish Cypriot leader regarding a new effort on the Cyprus issue.
“Economy under pressure but resilient” is the main headline in Politis, which writes that the war and foot-and-mouth disease are slowing growth but have not triggered a crisis, presenting figures on growth, inflation and other indicators. In another report it writes about the progress of investigations in the Santi case and notes that arrests may occur. Elsewhere it reports on the illegal constructions in Protaras, stating that demolitions are expected today.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “Rare local breeds infected”, reports in its main story that Veterinary Services have been placed on alert after foot-and-mouth disease affected units breeding the Cypriot fat-tailed sheep and the red cow. Elsewhere it refers to shortages in the ambulance service and reports warnings about patient transport. In another report it states that new information suggests the possibility of fabricated messages in the Santi case.
Haravgi titles its main story “Common front for reunification and labour rights”, reporting that PEO and Turkish Cypriot trade unions are sending a message of reunification and resistance to anti-labour policies ahead of International Workers’ Day. In another report it refers to the visit of the AKEL Secretary General to the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation and his call for administrative and financial autonomy for local government. Elsewhere it writes that employees at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus are taking new decisions regarding mobilisation.
The English-language Cyprus Mail leads with the headline “Cyprus in vulnerable position for fuel supply”, reporting that despite the situation the Transport Minister assures that there are no fuel shortages. Elsewhere it writes that asset declarations of former and current ministers have been published and also reports on statements concerning a new defence agreement with France.