Makarios Drousiotis’ allegations and the issue of surveillance, the Cyprus problem ahead of tomorrow’s meeting between Christodoulides and Erhürman, tourism and how it is affected by the ongoing war, the broader economy, and the political landscape in view of the parliamentary elections dominate the front pages of the Sunday press.
Alithia, under the headline “The Cyprus problem at its deepest impasse”, writes that the UN have clarified what they primarily expect from President Christodoulides rather than from Tufan Erhürman, adding that if the President presents the Guterres plan at tomorrow’s meeting, the situation will be even more serious. Elsewhere, it reports that DISY is emerging as a stable force in a fluid and fragmented political landscape, based on three opinion polls and the newspaper’s analysis. In another report, it refers to a parade of individuals at CID Headquarters over Drousiotis’ allegations, noting that the Minister of Justice and the journalist give conflicting accounts regarding the evidence.
Politis, under the headline “In the end, everyone knew and everyone remained silent”, writes that claims about “Santi” and the brotherhood had been circulating for seven years. It discusses how these claims, if proven true, could positively or negatively affect the outcome of the parliamentary elections. In another report, it notes that tomorrow marks the fifth meeting between the two leaders with no prospect of progress, as time is running out for the Cyprus issue. Elsewhere, it features statements by Professor of Political Science Giorgos Charalambous on the upcoming parliamentary elections and whether they signal a crisis or a renewal of the party system.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “Bold reforms without experimentation”, highlights an article by President Christodoulides marking three years in office, in which he outlines the next steps through five priorities. Elsewhere, it discusses the surveillance issue and why there was a retreat in Parliament regarding the constitutional amendment, also featuring concerns raised by MPs Nikos Georgiou and Andreas Pasiourtides. In another report, it writes that minors have become addicted to social media, including statements from academics on the accountability of Silicon Valley.
Haravgi, under the headline “Deafening silence of cover-up and protection of interests”, leads with yesterday’s statement by the AKEL Secretary-General, who said that the Government and the Attorney General are exposed over the “black van” case. In another report, it writes of a two-speed economy, with record profits for banks while workers’ wages remain stagnant. Elsewhere, it notes that scandals and rising prices have caused crisis and social anger within the Turkish Cypriot community.
The English-language Sunday Mail, under the headline “War concerns affect tourism bookings”, writes that although the critical period of March to May is underway, cancellations are increasing and bookings have slowed. In another report, it highlights President Christodoulides’ statement yesterday that everything possible is being done to de-escalate the war. Elsewhere, it reports that rising meat prices are an opportunity to rethink our diet, questioning whether this Easter will be meat-free.
The weekly Kathimerini, under the headline “Shadows, questions and Rosicrucians”, reports that it is examining Drousiotis’ text word for word regarding his allegations, stressing that the key issue is sufficient documentation and an investigation conducted beyond doubt. Elsewhere, it features an interview with Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, who said this is not a time for populism but for fiscal stability. In another report, it notes that Cyprus is introducing a credit score system, marking a new era in borrower assessment.
The weekly Simerini, under the headline “Greek ‘Centaurs’ plug gaps in air defence”, highlights why deterrence strategy requires the continued presence of F-16s and warships. In another report, it refers to fuel prices, writing that the pump is burning through wallets. Elsewhere, it discusses the war in Iran, describing a deadlock with dangerous scenarios of a ground intervention.