A new Commissioner for Children's Rights was appointed. In Cyprus, they suggested banning the use of social networks for children under 16 years of age. Seedlings will be distributed free of charge as part of a climate change program. The normal operating mode of Larnaki Airport will not return soon. Limassol is updated: museum and road projects. For the first time, the Ombudsman for Patient Rights appeared in the country.
– The Council of Ministers approved the appointment of Elena Perikleous to the post of Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights. She previously worked as a teacher and held the position of cultural education coordinator at the Sub-Ministry of Culture. Her term of office will be six years.
-The deputy from the party Dimy Dimitris Dimitriu proposed to increase the minimum age for registration on social networks from 14 to 16 years in order to protect children from the negative impact of the online environment. The initiative caused a discussion in parliament: some of the deputies supported the idea, but others expressed doubt about its practical implementation, noting that without a reliable verification system, users will be able to easily indicate false data. In addition, the question arose of compliance with such a restriction on European legislation, since Cyprus can become the only EU country with such an age threshold.
– The Forestry Department announced the launch of the “Planting for the Climate” program, under which organizations and individuals who own suitable plots will be able to receive seedlings of various trees for free. Applications are accepted from October 8 to November 7 through local forest districts. The initiative's goal is to plant 1 million trees by 2030, in line with the pan-European greening programme.
– The area around the arrivals area of Larnaca Airport continues to be a construction site due to extensive renovations scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027. Access to the airport remains limited, with passengers being asked to use the exit through the departure area, causing traffic jams and inconvenience, especially during peak hours. There is no point in expecting the situation to improve in the near future.
- In Limassol, a meeting of representatives of the Department of Public Works, the submits of culture and the municipality dedicated to two major projects - the modernization of the Archaeological Museum and the creation of new bypass roads took place. It is planned to save the museum in its current place, add new premises and connect it to the green zone and city square, as well as combine with the archive and improvement services. At the same time, plans for the modernization of the road network and the creation of new ring interchanges were approved, which should facilitate the movement and unload the central areas of Limassol.
- The Council of Ministers approved the candidacy of Marios Haralalambidis for the post of first Ombudsman for Patient Rights. The Minister of Health Mikhalis Damianos called this decision an important step for the healthcare system aimed at increasing transparency and strengthening the trust of citizens. Organizations representing the interests of patients have long required the creation of this position.
