The discussion on the status of the Bases in Cyprus, the impact on the economy from the energy crisis due to the war in Iran, the rejection of an AKEL resolution calling for the disclosure to the competent parliamentary committee of the donors to the Independent Social Support Fund, and the removal from the telecommunications surveillance bill of powers held by the Attorney General in relation to lifting the confidentiality of communications are among the issues highlighted on Saturday’s newspaper front pages.
Alithia, under the headline “Four lines on the Bases in two days”, writes in its lead story about “contradictory messages” from the Presidency to the EU, London and the domestic audience regarding the issue of the Bases, as well as the reference made on the matter in the European Council conclusions. Elsewhere, it reports that the Government is still considering scenarios in relation to a new wave of price increases expected in motor fuels. In another story, it writes about the occupation of the Presidential Palace by livestock farmers, referring to their protest march taking place today.
Politis, which headlines its main story “Defence plan against the energy shock”, reports that work has begun on targeted measures to mitigate rising oil prices. In another story, it refers to dialogue on the future of the Bases and writes that President Christodoulides has elevated the issue politically through reference in the European Council conclusions. Elsewhere, it reports that the European Commission is being updated daily on the situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease.
“Explosive mix in the economy” is the headline of the lead story in Phileleftheros, which reports that both the European Central Bank and the International Energy Agency have sounded the alarm over the outbreak of a new energy crisis. In another story, it reports successive increases in fuel prices in Cyprus. Elsewhere, it writes about the allocation of €80 million for the utilisation of reclaimed water from Mia Milia.
Haravgi, under the headline “DISY–DIKO–ELAM, together with the Presidency, block transparency”, refers in its lead story to a block on the disclosure of donor names following the rejection by DISY, DIKO and ELAM of an AKEL resolution calling for publication of donors to the “First Lady’s Fund”. Elsewhere, it reports on efforts by AKEL Famagusta to highlight and resolve problems in the border area of Deryneia. In another story, it covers yesterday’s work stoppage in ground handling services at Larnaca Airport.
The English-language Cyprus Mail, under the headline “Attorney General excluded from decisions on phone surveillance”, reports in its lead story on how the telecommunications surveillance bill is being shaped. Elsewhere, it reports on today’s protest march by livestock farmers at the Presidential Palace. In another story, it refers to statements by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, that the future of the Bases should be reassessed.