Friday’s front pages are dominated by yesterday’s meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, held in the presence of UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín. The Cyprus issue features prominently across the press, alongside reports on staff shortages in private hospitals, escalating reactions in education following POED’s decision to take industrial action, and Larnaca’s selection as European Capital of Culture for 2030.
Alithia, under the headline “Restart With Political Equality”, writes that the meeting between the two community leaders and Ms Holguín effectively locks in political equality while paving the way for an informal meeting. Elsewhere, the paper reports that teachers remain firm in their opposition to the evaluation scheme, announcing a work stoppage and warning of further escalation. In another article, it reports that the European Commission has launched infringement procedures against Cyprus over inconsistencies in renewable energy policy.
Politis, headlining its main story “First Steps on Substantive Issues”, writes that the meeting took place in a very positive climate, with both leaders signalling a willingness to break the long-standing deadlock on the Cyprus issue. Elsewhere, it reports warnings that private hospitals may shut down services due to a shortage of nurses. In another piece, it notes that POED is proceeding with a work stoppage, with OELMEK also not ruling out similar measures over teacher evaluations.
Phileleftheros, under the headline “Link to UN Resolutions”, reports that during their meeting the two leaders discussed both the substance of the Cyprus issue and confidence-building measures. Elsewhere, it highlights Larnaca’s designation as European Capital of Culture for 2030. In another report, it notes that private hospitals are deciding on measures, while PASIN, the Cyprus Medical Association and OEB have sharply criticised the Ministry of Health over the nursing shortage.
Haravgi, leading with “They Shut the Door on the Displaced”, reports that AKEL attempted in parliament to support displaced borrowers, while DISY and DIKO once again sided with the banks. Elsewhere, it refers to the meeting of the two leaders being held in a positive climate and points to agreement on pursuing a solution within the framework of UN resolutions. In another article, it reports on Larnaca’s selection as European Capital of Culture 2030.
The English-language daily Cyprus Mail, under the headline “‘Political equality’ is the real goal”, reports that the two leaders agreed during their meeting that the objective remains a solution based on political equality, as described in UN resolutions. Elsewhere, it reports on Larnaca winning the title of European Capital of Culture for 2030 and on warnings from private hospitals over the growing nursing shortage.
The weekly newspaper Gnómi, under the headline “Christodoulides Is Playing With Fire!”, claims that the President of the Republic is reviving the issue of Cyprus joining NATO. Elsewhere, it refers to what it describes as a rebuke by the OSCE towards DISY, ELAM, EDEK, DIKO and DIPA, and reports that homes and business premises are being put up for auction.
The weekly To Pontiki, leading with “Reshuffle Resembling the Second Round of the 2028 Presidential Elections”, writes that the President’s cabinet reshuffle surprised some, provoked reactions, pleased certain groups and displeased others. Elsewhere, it reports on global records in gold prices and on the countries that voted in favour of Israel’s continued participation in Eurovision.
The meeting between the two leaders in the presence of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, the statements issued after the meeting and the United Nations announcement, as well as the confrontation between Ersin Tatar and a Turkish religious figure and the anniversary of the newspaper Yeni Düzen, dominate the front pages of the Turkish Cypriot press today.
Avrupa (Europe), under the headline “Cübbeli Paid the Price”, refers to the clash that erupted between former Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish preacher Cübbeli Ahmet Hoca. Tatar accused him of influencing the outcome of the illegal elections by announcing before the vote that he would pray for victory, claiming this cost him votes. In response, Cübbeli said that Tatar had asked him to pray and added that he later regretted this action. Elsewhere, the newspaper refers to the meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman in the presence of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on the Cyprus issue, María Ángela Holguín. It also highlights the UN statement regarding the meeting of the two leaders.
Halkın Sesi (Voice of the People), under the headline “Leaders Agree on Political Equality”, refers to yesterday’s visit by the two leaders to the CMP Anthropological Laboratory and their subsequent meeting held in the presence of María Ángela Holguín. It highlights the statements made by Erhürman and President Christodoulides after the meeting. The paper also reports on statements by the “president” of the “biologists’ association”, Mustafa Kofalı, regarding damage in the occupied areas caused by severe weather conditions, noting his claim that the destruction was due to human intervention. It also reports that economist Kemal Oztakır said that some taxes imposed in the occupied areas are “unconstitutional”.
Kıbrıs (Cyprus), under the headline “The Real Goal Is a Solution”, highlights statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman following the completion of his meeting with the President of the Republic and his return to the occupied areas. Among other remarks, Erhürman said that only two of the four points related to the methodology of a solution have been accepted by the Greek Cypriot side. The newspaper also refers to President Nikos Christodoulides’ meeting with the EU Special Representative for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn, noting that the European official is also scheduled to meet the Turkish Cypriot leader today. Elsewhere, it reports that “municipalities” have begun restoration works following damage caused by floods.
Yeni Düzen (New Order), under the headline “We Are Living the History of This Place Together”, refers to today’s 50th anniversary of the newspaper’s first publication, noting that half a century has passed in a struggle for peace, democracy and justice. On its front page, the newspaper prominently displays the number 50 in large lettering. No other topic is featured on today’s front page.