HAPPY NEW YEAR
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2026
Find out what's on in Tala... Tala is found in the district of Paphos Cyprus. In Tala you can find facilities for all kind of Events.
Pafos Live 31 December 2025
The Police arrested a 19-year-old man today, as part of an investigation into a case of attempted murder and robbery, committed on December 20, 2025 in the province of Nicosia.
According to the complaint, an 85-year-old man stated that while he was at his home, an unknown person broke into and entered the house, attacked him and then took a sum of money.
Cyprus Mail 31 December 2025 - by Eleni Philippou
STAND UP COMEDY IN BROKEN ENGLISH by Victor Patrascan
Platonos 19 Street, Limassol
23 January - 8pm [also at Kampou 29, Nicosia 24 January]
€15-25
Travelling comedy nomad Victor Pãtrãşcan brings his European tour to Cyprus once again, sharing laughs and real stories. Two shows are planned for January in Cyprus as the comedian presents his Stand-up Comedy in Broken English show.
Filenews 31 December 2025 - by Michalis Chatzivasilis
After the 55 releases of prisoners with a presidential pardon due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, a second batch of dismissals is coming, due to the assumption of the EU Presidency by the Republic of Cyprus.
This is a list that includes 130 prisoners, of whom more than 80 are foreigners who will be released, immediately arrested and deported, as is the decision of the President of the Republic, provided that they have been convicted of non-serious offenses.
Filenews 31 December 2025
Apple has issued an urgent warning to iPhone and iPad owners, urging them to immediately install the latest software updates to shield their devices against a serious cybersecurity threat.
According to the company, two critical security vulnerabilities were found in WebKit, the browser that uses Safari and all browsers on iOS and iPadOS. The specific problems, as Apple says, are part of a "highly sophisticated attack" that targets specific individuals.
Cyprus Mail 31 December 2025 - by Kyriacos Nicolaou
TUI UK has highlighted Cyprus across three of its latest travel rankings, placing a Cypriot hotel among the best swim-up room resorts, naming the island as a top destination for weddings abroad, and ranking Ayia Napa among the best party destinations, underlining the country’s broad appeal to holidaymakers.
In its latest round-ups aimed at UK travellers planning holidays, celebrations and nightlife breaks, the tour operator positioned Cyprus alongside established global destinations while giving particular prominence to specific locations on the island.
Google is making significant changes to the way Gmail works, removing the ability to manage third-party emails from within the platform from the beginning of 2026. With this decision, Gmail becomes a standalone webmail exclusively for Google accounts, changing a practice that millions of users have been using for years.
According to the company, functions that allowed the aggregation of different email accounts in one environment are being terminated, a development that mainly affects professionals and users with multiple accounts.
Filenews 31 December 2025
Donald Trump said he could not rule out the possibility of a US war with Venezuela, while the possibility of a new Israel-Iran conflict in the coming months remains in the foreground, in a scenario that could bring 2026 in front of two war fronts with wider international implications.
On December 29, Trump met with Benjamin Netanyahu, with reports indicating that the Israeli prime minister informed the US president of the possibility of another attack on Iran. Washington intervened in June, ending the "12-Day War" by bombing underground Iranian nuclear facilities and intercepting Iranian missiles and drones fired at Israel.
Filenews 31 December 2025
The Bank of Cyprus warns the public about the appearance of fake profiles on social media platforms, and in particular on Threads, which illegally use the name and photo of the Bank's CEO, Panikos Nicolaou, allegedly promoting investment advice or investment opportunities.
In a statement, the Bank of Cyprus clarifies that the profiles in question have nothing to do with the Bank and aim to mislead the public.
Filenews 31 December 2025
The national central banks of the euro area have issued an announcement on the free exchange of lev banknotes into euros, with a view to Bulgaria's accession to the euro area as of 1 January 2026. The Central Bank of Cyprus is also involved in the process.
According to the announcement, the exchange will take place free of charge from January 2 to March 2, 2026, based on the fixed exchange rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 lev.
Filenews 31 December 2025
Following a decision of the Council of Ministers dated December 23, 2025, the State is proceeding with the revision of the minimum wage limits, with the issuance and publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic, on December 31, 2025, of a new Decree pursuant to the Minimum Wage Law (K.D.P. 427/2025).
The new Decree comes into force from 1 January 2026 and sets revised minimum wage thresholds for full-time employees in the Republic.
Filenews 31 December 2025 - by Vassos Vassiliou
In the end, will citizens and professionals be served faster than before the reform of Local Government in matters of development or has the service to which their applications will be delayed simply changed?
The question arises at the minute of the deadline given for staffing the NGOs (expires today, December 31, 2025) and after the finding that the Organizations were not fully staffed despite the fact that an 18-month timetable was set for them to prepare.
Filenews 31 December 2025
In four different cases, the Fire Service in the province of Paphos was called to intervene, following calls from both private individuals and other competent authorities, due to the bad weather.
According to information from the Fire Department, at 03:58 in the morning the Fire Brigade responded to an incident of a tree falling on a road in the community of Polemi, with the members of the Service proceeding to its immediate removal.
At 06:33 there was a fall of an EAC stake on a vehicle in Geroskipou. The Fire Brigade worked with EAC crews to safely remove the pile and restore safety in the area.
Then, at 07:18, in Kissonerga, members of the Service proceeded to remove tin that had been swept away, creating dangers for passing citizens.
Finally, at 07:29, the Fire Brigade intervened on a flooded road within the city of Paphos, where culverts were opened to restore the smooth runoff of water.
The Fire Service remains on increased alert and calls on the public to be especially careful and follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
In addition, the Police announced that due to heavy rainfall, landslides of volumes of soil have been observed, on the Limassol - Paphos highway, between the villages of Paramali - Sotira, as well as the accumulation of water in various parts of the said highway.
Drivers are asked to be especially careful, drive at low speeds and keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is on heightened alert as the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Cyprus and the Middle East reaches alarming proportions. According to the latest assessment report, the British authorities confirm that the epidemic affecting the island is due to the SAT1 strain, which entered the region through Turkey.
The DEFRA report is clear: The SAT1 strain, which is considered "exotic" for the West Asian and Caucasus region, caused hundreds of outbreaks in Turkey before crossing into Cyprus. Specifically, Turkey has reported a total of 1,144 cases of SAT1 in 2025, with 639 new cases recorded only recently.
Filenews 31 December 2025 - by Vassos Vassiliou
The chaos that the Mayor of East Limassol, Mr. Kyriakos Xydias, found with the debts and in general the dealings of the former Community Council and now the municipal district of Agios Tychonas, was such that he requested and had a meeting with the Minister of the Republic, Mr. Andreas Papaconstantinou, who gave instructions to conduct an audit. The Ministry of the Interior is also aware of the situation that prevailed.
The Auditor General, asked about this by "F", stated that in the context of the audit that will be carried out, with the new year, officials of his Service will also go to the site in order to further inform and collect data/evidence.
Estate of Cyprus
The Feast of the Epiphany, known in Cyprus as Theophany or Fota, is one of the most important events in the Orthodox calendar. Celebrated on January 6th, it concludes the cycle of Christmas celebrations. For Cypriots, this day is imbued with spiritual meaning, ancient customs, and solemn rites symbolizing purification, renewal, and enlightenment.
Filenews 31 December 2025
With the traditional splendour and solemnity, the Holy Epiphany will be celebrated in Paphos. The established official celebration that takes place on a rotating basis in the coastal cities of free Cyprus and which this year will take place in Paphos, will be attended by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides and the Archbishop of Cyprus, George.
Filenews 31 December 2025 - by Dora Christodoulou
In today's written statement, the Archbishop of Cyprus informs the plenitude of the Church of Cyprus that a specific person who appears as a member of the hierarchy is not recognized by the Church and therefore calls on the faithful not to be misled by him and his actions.
Kyprou Georgios states, in particular, that he is a person appearing mainly in the province of Paphos, but also on Social Media who appears as "clergyman Irineos". This person, the Archbishop emphasizes, does not belong, is not subject to and is not recognized by the Orthodox Church.
Filenews 31 December 2025
Due to heavy rainfall, landslides of volumes of soil have been observed, on the Limassol - Paphos highway, between the villages of Paramali - Sotira, as well as accumulation of water in various parts of this highway.
Drivers are asked to be especially careful, drive at low speeds and keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front.
Accumulation of water from the heavy rains that have been falling since last night in Paphos is also observed in parts of the road network in the city and suburban area, but so far they have not caused problems in traffic. Police patrols have been checking the road network since the morning, while the Fire Brigade is on standby to provide assistance where needed.
Pafos Press 31 December 2025
New Year’s Eve in Cyprus is a celebration deeply rooted in tradition and family customs, which are passed down from generation to generation and keep the spirit of the place alive. In many villages on the island, especially in the Paphos district, old customs are still observed to this day, reminding the younger generation of the way of life and the values of their ancestors. New Year’s Eve in Cyprus means customs, family, and tradition, as well as memories of the past.
Mary Savvidou from Tala said that since the old days, New Year’s Eve was always celebrated as a family, together with the parents. As she characteristically said, “we slaughtered the chickens, baked our roasts and made our Vasilopita,” thus creating a festive table full of traditional flavours. In the past, as she remembers, families also prepared sausages and baked their bread, processes that required effort but strengthened the sense of community.
Pafos Live 31 December 2025
An agreement was signed on December 30, 2025, between the Municipality of Ierokipia and the company Kakais Construction Ltd, for the reconstruction of sidewalks in the municipal districts of the Municipality of Ierokipia. The value of the contract amounts to €310,299 plus VAT.
Pafos Live 31 December 2025
2026, the new year, could be characterized as a year of challenges for the province of Paphos if the planning of the various ministries for the major projects is implemented.
Pafos Live 31 December 2025
Pafos Live 31 December 2025
At the beginning of the new year, the redevelopment projects in the historic center of Geroskipou are expected to be completed, with the deputy mayor of Ierokipia, Andreas Siikkis, calling on the members of the Municipal Council to seriously reflect on the uses that should be given to the area.
As he mentioned, the issue of the creation and utilization of the "popular neighbourhood" has been on the table of discussions in the Municipality of Geroskipou for about 20 years. "It's not just that the city itself takes on a different character, offering a taste of life from the one we all experienced in our childhood," he noted.
6th TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL - 'LET'S CELEBRATE TRADITIONALLY' with Aphrodite Folklore Group of Geroskipou
Ampelones Hall, Peyia
31 January - 8pm
English text follows
Filenews 30 December 2025
The dynamic and targeted preventive operations of the Police continued during last night, with an enhanced presence in key points of urban areas, with the aim of preventing serious criminal acts, protecting citizens and ensuring public order.
As part of these operations, the Police proceeded to arrest a total of seven persons.
Cyprus Mail 30 December 2025 - by Georgiana Sofroniou
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides on Monday announced plans to modernise Limassol general hospital during a visit to the facility, according to an official statement.
The visit focused on immediate interventions aimed at improving conditions for both patients and staff.
“Within the first quarter of 2026, targeted upgrades will be carried out in key areas, including the paediatric department, outpatient clinics, orthopaedics, radiology, the clinical laboratory and the central entrance,” Charalambides said.
Cyprus Mail 30 December 2025 - by Johanna Pauls
The night from Monday to Tuesday saw temperatures reaching a record low for this winter, with the Athalassa weather station in Nicosia recording 0.8C, Kitasweather said on Tuesday.
Other parts of the island, including Zygi, Larnaca, Aradippou and Xylofagou, recorded temperatures as low as 3C.
Filenews 30 December 2025 - by Fanis Makridis
The Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, showed himself ready to break eggs, to achieve substantial policing and a more noticeable presence of members of the Force out in the field, at today's press conference.
The aim of today's meeting of Mr. Arnaoutis with the journalists was to present the plan for the modernization and upgrading of the Cyprus Police. He briefly presented the three pillars.
Filenews 30 December 2025
Recently, the Cybercrime Sub-Directorate has received several reports from citizens regarding suspicious messages (SMS) which falsely impersonate the GESY.
Specifically, the suspicious messages (SMS) falsely state that there is a problem with the connection to the electronic portal of the GHS and urge unsuspecting citizens to proceed with the correction of the error, activating the malicious electronic link containing the message, which actually leads to a password interception website. (phishing).

The Cybercrime Sub-Directorate recommends the public's attention that such messages are malicious and are not related to GESY.
Tips:
Cyprus Mail 30 December 2025 - by James Morphakis
Diko leader Nicolas Papadopoulos on Tuesday intensified his criticism of the government over the planned power interconnection with Greece, accusing it of sending contradictory signals.
Speaking on CyBC radio, Papadopoulos warned against the collapse of the great sea interconnector (GSI).
“If the project collapses, international agreements will still be implemented and the bill will be paid by Cypriot taxpayers, without us having the electrical interconnection that will bring multiple benefits,” he said.
Cyprus Mail 30 December 2025 - by Alexandra Theodorou
“You can do so much more than you think. Dream big. Remove the barriers you set for yourself.”
That was the mindset of four university students in their twenties who completed a 227-kilometre relay run across Cyprus in under 24 hours, setting an island-first record.
The team, Anghelo George Eleftheriou, Panos Alepis, Constantinos Psaras and Petros Loizou, set out to challenge themselves by running 240 kilometres across the island.
in-cyprus 30 December 2025
The Department of Meteorology has issued a yellow weather warning for rain, storms and very strong winds from Tuesday night through New Year’s Eve.
The warning is in effect from 22:00 on Tuesday, December 30, until 22:00 on December 31.
A combination of rain, isolated storms and very strong winds, locally reaching severe intensity of force 6-7, is expected to affect the island, particularly coastal and mountainous areas, according to the announcement. Hail is possible during storms.
Total rainfall is expected to locally exceed 55 mm in 24 hours.
Filenews 30 December 2025 - by Eleftheria Paizanou
The obstacle of tax reform for the Government has been overcome, however the party interventions for further relief of households will continue into the new year.
Something that the MPs had previously announced during the discussion of the legislative tax package in the Plenary Session of the Parliament. In fact, some opposition parties believe that after the tax deductions with which the middle class will benefit, those taxpayers who are below the tax-free allowance of €22,000 should be supported with additional measures.
Filenews 30 December 2025 - by Angelos Angelodimou
For yet another year, Christmas Eve justified the designation of the most commercial day of the year. December 24 was once again a point of reference for retail this year, with supermarkets attracting by far the largest part of commercial traffic.
As it is known, December is the most commercial month of every year and this year this could not be an exception. Especially with the entire sector recording record numbers and now being one of the main sectors of the Cypriot economy.
Filenews 30 December 2025 - by Charalambos Zakos
More than 81,000 homes in Cyprus produce energy from photovoltaic systems, a number that corresponds to approximately 16% of the country's total households.
In particular, about one in six homes benefits from lower electricity prices, as they have photovoltaic systems, since out of 89,157 contracts, 81,204 concern residential consumers and the rest small commercial systems.
Filenews 30 December 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
An extremely difficult situation for Cypriot livestock farming and exports has been shaping up in recent days, as the detection of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the occupied areas has caused a domino effect of international restrictions.
After Australia, Canada also put the entire island under strict surveillance, while information about an imminent embargo from Saudi Arabia is a cause for concern.
Filenews 30 December 2025
The trilateral working plans for military cooperation, as well as the individual plans of the Armed Forces of Greece, Cyprus and Israel, constitute another step towards the deepening of military cooperation between the three countries, according to competent sources, who clarify that there is no question of creating a joint brigade.
In particular, the work plans, which were signed last week in Cyprus, include joint exercises and training, working groups in various sectors and a strategic military dialogue on issues of common interest
As of today, an older decision of the Health Insurance Organization comes into force and patients who receive specific non-prescription drugs through the General Health System, will be able to obtain them from the pharmacies in their neighbourhood without having to suffer in the queues of hospital pharmacies every month.
According to relevant information from the HIO to doctors and pharmacies, the implementation of this decision will be gradual and the beginning is made with 8 non-prescription drugs for which may, and depending on the case and the needs of each patient, doctors will have to proceed with the issuance of new prescriptions.
Filenews 30 December 2025 - by Fanis Makridis
The request of the Republic of Cyprus was rejected yesterday in order to overturn the decision of a French Court, which decided not to extradite to Cyprus the suspected of large-scale usurpation of property in the occupied territories, Behdad Jafari.
The demarche on the part of the Republic 10 days ago with the aim of starting proceedings to annul the aforementioned verdict was revealed by "F" on December 19. Yesterday, therefore, the Ministry of Justice received a negative response from the competent French Central Authority.
Filenews 30 December 2025 - by Fanis Makridis
The measures to decongest the prison system and in particular to deal with the overcrowding of the Central Prisons, which the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, spoke about in his in-depth interview with "F" (28-29/12), are in progress.
The President had referred to contacts with the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice, in order to map the situation in the Prisons by verifying the numbers and other data of prisoners, in order to immediately take measures to mitigate the problem.
Filenews 29 December 2025
Cyprus is expected to bid farewell to 2025 with a yellow warning for strong storms on the coast, with an improvement in the weather on New Year's Day and temperatures at the normal level for the season, according to the Meteorological Service.