Category: Cyprus News Agency

For the first time in the history of the Cypriot House of Representatives the number of women who take a set in the parliament after Sunday’s elections reached 11, thus recording a slight increase compared to the previous composition of the House when their number stood at eight.

Despite this development however, women’s representation is still below 20% of the total number of seats in the Cyprus Parliament.

In 2021, eight women and 48 men were elected, while in 2026 citizens elected 11 women and 45 men. Eleven women were elected in the 2016 parliamentary elections, but only ten took seat in the parliament since Eleni Theocharous, President of the Solidarity Movement, was declared an MP, however announced her decision not to accept the seat.

Of the eight women who were seeking re-election, six managed to secure entry, while five women are entering the Cypriot parliament for the first time.

Annita Demetriou, Savvia Orphanidou and Fotini Tsiridou have re-elected from the Democratic Rally (DISY), Marina Nikolaou from AKEL, Christiana Erotokritou from the Democratic Party (DIKO) and Irini Charalambidou (former AKEL MP) who was re-elected this time with the Alma party.

The five women entering the parliament for the first time are, Nikoletta Constantinou from DISY, who is also the first woman elected from Paphos district, Argentoula Ioannou and Anastasia Hasikou (AKEL), Theodoulitsa Drousiotou (Alma) and Diana Constantinidis (Direct Democracy).

Just like in the parliamentary elections of 2021, DISY has four women and 13 men in its parliamentary group, while AKEL had in 2021 one woman and 13 men, while in 2026 it elected three women and 12 men. DIKO had one woman elected and 10 men in 2021, while now it has elected one woman and seven men MPs.

ELAM did not elect women in 2021 or in 2026, but it increased its presence in the parliament from three to eight MPs, all men.

Regarding the new parties entering the parliament, Alma has elected two women MPs and two men, while Direct Democracy has elected one woman and three men.

Women MPs who ran for re-election but were not re-elected are Rita Superman from DISY, whose seat was taken by Demos Georgiadis, and Alexandra Attalidou, who ran as a Volt candidate in Nicosia (was elected in 2021 with the Ecologist Movement).

It is recalled that a total of 753 candidacies were submitted for the Parliamentary Elections of May 24, 2026, of which 744 were party combinations and nine individual candidates, while 529 candidacies or 70.3% were men and 224 or 29.7% women. In comparison, in the 2021 Parliamentary Elections, 651 candidacies were submitted, of which only 160 were from women (24.31%).

Men MPs entering the Cypriot parliament for the first time are, from DISY, Giorgos Pamborides, Andreas Konstantinou, Charalambos Petrides, Giorgos Karaiskakis, Michalis Fellas, Giorgos Lyssandrides, Demos Georgiades, Michalis Kounounis, from AKEL Ephrem Christou, Konstantinos Konstantinou, Panikos Xiouroupas, from DIKO Adamos Aspris, from ELAM Polys Anogyriatis, Marios Pelekanos, Andreas Papacharalambous, Eugenios Chamboullas and Linos Hadjigeorgiou.

Men MPs who ran for re-election and have been re-elected are from DISY Demitris Demetriou, Giorgos Karoulas, Nikos Georgiou, Charalambos Pazaros and Prodromos Alampritis, from AKEL Stefanos Stefanou, Giorgos Loukaides, Christos Christofides, Aristos Damianou, Nikos Kettiros, Giorgos Koukoumas, Andreas Pasiourtides, Valentinos Fakontis, Giannakis Gabriel, from DIKO Nikolas Papadopoulos, Panikos Leonidou, Chrysis Pantelidis, Zacharias Koulias, Andreas Apostolou, Chrysanthos Savvides and from ELAM Christos Christou, Linos Papagiannis, Sotiris Ioannou.

Men MPs from the new parties entering for the first time the Parliament are Odysseas Michaelides and Michalis Paraskevas (Alma) and Giannis Laouris, Demetris Souglis, and Demetris Baros (Direct Democracy).

Finally, the representatives of the religious groups in the House of Representatives are Antonella Lydia Mantovani (Latin religious group), Vartkes Mahdessian (Armenian religious group) and Petros Nacouzis (Maronite religious group).

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 25/05/2026

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

26

14

52

Larnaka Airport

26

16

60

Limassol

25

15

61

Pafos Airport

24

17

67

Frenaros

26

16

62

Prodromos

16

8

100

Polis Pafos

24

16

70

Central Bank of Cyprus’ active role within the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Single Resolution Mechanism was highlighted during a visit of ECB and SRB officials to the island, CBC said in a post on X.

Last week the Central Bank of Cyprus welcomed the Chair of the Supervisory Board, Claudia Buch, and the Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), Dominique Laboureix, the post said.

“The joint visit reflected the Central Bank of Cyprus’ active role within the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Single Resolution Mechanism, providing an opportunity to exchange views on key supervisory and resolution matters, including developments and priorities relating to the Cyprus banking sector”, the post reads.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 25/05/2026 UNTIL 1800 26/05/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1017hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure and unstable air mass are affecting the area. Mainly fine weather with increased low cloud coverage, Mist or fog mainly over the western and eastern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 21°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northwest 3 to 4, gradually near the coast North to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night

Southwest to West 3 to 4, gradually Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

East Coast

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night

Southwest to Northwest 3, soon near the coast Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Time of issue: 1700 Date: 25/05/2026

Cyprus is entering 2026 with strong macroeconomic foundations, restored fiscal credibility, and a resilient banking sector, said Eurobank Deputy CEO Haris Hambakis, speaking at the 5th ICPAC Mediterranean Finance Summit 2026. He noted that the banks that will stand out will be those that manage to adapt in a timely manner, aligning strategy, technology, and culture, and continuing to support the real economy with consistency and reliability, he noted.

According to a press release from the bank, the 5th ICPAC Mediterranean Finance Summit 2026, held with the support of Eurobank, brought together leading representatives of the financial sector, institutional bodies, and business executives from Cyprus and abroad, and the conference focused on geopolitical challenges and the transformation of the banking sector.

As the discussion revealed, international developments and changes in trade and financing costs not only affect the short-term trajectory of economies but are also redefining the operating model of banks.

In this context, Hambakis noted that maintaining this positive trajectory is not a given, as it will depend increasingly on boosting productivity, implementing targeted investments, the consistency and reliability of policy decisions, as well as the effective management of geopolitical and climate risks.

He also highlighted that the banking sector is gradually transitioning to a more customer-centric and data-driven model, where flexibility, rapid responsiveness, and the use of technology are key differentiators.

He added that banks are called upon to evolve into simpler and more flexible organizations, accelerating their digital transformation, adding that this includes modernizing core infrastructure, strengthening digital service channels, and leveraging data and automation to improve efficiency and the quality of decision-making.

At the same time, he analyzed the importance of internal transformation, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, speed of decision-making, and strengthening organizational culture.

Hambakis also noted that the combination of diversified growth, fiscal discipline, and a strong banking system places Cyprus in a favorable position within the European context. However, he noted that, in an era of structural changes and uncertainty, resilience alone is not enough. He pointed out that the question now is not whether banks will change, but how effectively they will do so.

Eastern Mediterranean Policy Notes | Issue 123c, May 2026

EMPN Issue 123c, May 2026

Eastern Mediterranean Policy Note

Issue 123c, May 2026

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN POLICY NOTE

entitled

‘PERSPECTIVES ON THE EU ECONOMY AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS’

by

Andreas Theophanous

Political party leaders urged voters to turn out at Sunday’s elections for a new House of Representatives, calling today a celebration of democracy.

President of the Democratic Rally, Annita Demetriou, said after voting in Troulli village, today’s elections are a “celebration of democracy marked by hope and optimism”. She stated that the outcome of the elections would shape the course of the House and influence how it responds to the significant challenges facing the country at this crucial time.

AKEL General Secretary Stephanos Stephanou, said “let us all vote together responsibly for the present and future of society and Cyprus”. He told reporters after voting in Yeri, Nicosia, that “the vote is not simply a right. It is primarily an act of responsibility”.

President of the Democratic Party, (DEKO) Nicolas Papadopoulos, urged citizens to participate in today’s voting to determine the future that Cyprus deserves. He said that the next Parliament will determine the future of our homeland and our families.

Christos Christou, the President of National Popular Front (ELAM), said his party “is ready to assume whatever responsibilities the Cypriot people assign to it”. He was speaking after casting his vote for the parliamentary elections at Politiko village.

Marios Garoyian, the President of the Democratic Alignment (DIPA), called for unity and collective effort to address the challenges facing the country. Speaking in Nicosia, he said it “is time for national consensus, unity and compromises”.

The President of Social democratic EDEK, Nicos Anastasiou, who exercised his voting right in Limassol, called on citizens to go to the polls to elect a House of Representatives where parties will cooperate for the future of the country.

Andromahi Sofocleous, co-President of Volt said “today it is up to the citizens to vote and choose a truly new political culture and a truly new political mentality”. In remarks after voting in Nicosia, she described Sunday’s elections “an important day, a day of responsibility, a day of democracy”.

“Today Democracy is celebrating”, said President of the Ecologists Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation, Stavros Papadouris, in his statements after exercising his voting right in Limassol. He called on the people to take advantage “of this inalienable right they have”.

“Today the voice of the citizens will be heard,” declared the President of the Alma – Citizens for Cyprus movement, Odysseas Michaelides speaking after casting his vote at the village of Kokkinotrimithia.

Christos Clerides, President of Democratic Change (DIMAL), expressed his conviction that it is the citizen’s day and that Democracy will prevail, exercising his voting right for the parliamentary elections at the Lycavitos Elementary School in Nicosia.

Apostolos Apostolou, head of the Popular Struggle, declared in Nicosia that his desire is the liberation of Cyprus and that is the goal of his party.

President of SIKOU PANO, Sotiris Christou, speaking in Nicosia, described the parliamentary elections as “the celebration of democracy”.

The president of the Direct Democracy movement and MEP, Phidias Panagiotou, exercised his right to vote at the Meniko Elementary School, calling on citizens to participate in the elections. In his statements after voting, Panagiotou thanked all those working to conduct the elections, as well as the citizens who came to vote.

Nicolas Prodromou, President of the Active Citizens – United Cypriot Hunters Movement, called on the Cypriot people to flock to the polls. In statements after exercising his right to vote at the Frenaros Elementary School, Prodromou said that “today, the people of Cyprus truly hold their fate in their hands”.

The President of the Democratic National Movement (DEM), Andreas Themistocleous, expressed the wish that from this process, Cyprus will emerge stronger, with more vigor, with more willingness to fight for its rights and with greater hope for its people.

The President of the Green Party of Cyprus, Kyriakos Andreou, described the current electoral process as “very important”.

Last leader of a political movement in the elections to vote, Celestina De Petro, President of Far-Left Resistance Communism, casting her vote in Nicosia, said “today we are strengthening our Parliament”.

Six parties have secured seats in Cyprus’ House of Representatives after Sunday’s elections.

ELAM saw the most notable rise, doubling its seats and increasing its share of the vote by 4%. AKEL maintained its number of seats and increased its share of the vote by 1.4%. DISY remained in the lead with the same number of seats, recording a slight drop in its vote share of -0.8%. DIKO recorded a 1.3% decrease in its vote share and lost 1 seat.

Alma and Direct Democracy (Amesi Dimokratia) also secured seats in the new Parliament, gathering 5.8% and 5.4% respectively, while EDEK, DIPA, and the Ecologists’ Movement – Citizens’ Cooperation failed to secure seats and are out of the parliament.

The abstention rate stood at 33.09%. There were 569,182 registered voters, of whom 380,851 voted. Valid ballots totaled 372,063 (97.69%), invalid ballots were 6,618 (1.74%), and blank ballots numbered 2,170 (0.57%).

More specifically, DISY received 27.1% and retained its 17 seats, largely maintaining its share of the vote, with losses of less than 1% (0.8%) .

AKEL managed to increase its share of the vote by 1.4%, receiving 23.9%, and also maintained its 15 seats.

The big winner, with a 4-point increase in its share of the vote and a doubling of its seats, is ELAM, which received 10.9%.

DIKO lost one seat, recording a 1.3% drop. With 10% of the vote, it managed to secure 8 of the 9 seats it had secured in 2021.

Alma received 5.8%, securing entry into Parliament with 4 seats.

Direct Democracy received 5.4% and also 4 seats.

The big loser was EDEK, recording the largest drop in support by 3.5 percentage points, receiving 3.3% and failing to secure a seat in the House, compared to the 4 seats and 6.7% it received in 2021.

DIPA lost 3 percentage points, receiving 3.1% and failing to secure a seat in Parliament, whereas in 2021 it had won 4 seats.

The Ecologists’ Movement lost 2.5 percentage points, also failing to enter Parliament with 2%, while in 2021 it had secured 3 seats and 4.41%.

Additionally, Volt, which most polls had projected to enter Parliament, received 3.1% and failed to make the cut. Active Citizens-United Hunters Movement received 3.2%, but did not secure a seat.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 24/05/2026 UNTIL 0600 25/05/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1014hPa (hectopascal)

Unstable air mass is affecting the area. Locally increased cloud will be present at times with risk of isolated showers and/or thunderstorm.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 20°C

Warnings: NONE

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Southwest to West 3, later 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 4, locally 5 Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally at first 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

South Coast

Morning Southwest to West 3 to 4, later 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, later Slight

Afternoon Southwest to West 5 to 6, locally 5 Slight to Moderate, locally Slight

Night Southwest to West 3 to 4, initially 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, initially Slight

East Coast

Morning Southwest to West 3, later 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Southwest to West 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, later locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, later locally Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 4 to 5, locally 5 Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, offshore 4 Smooth to Slight, offshore Slight

CNA/PC/GV/2026

The electoral process is continuing smoothly and without any major problems, said the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, at noon on Sunday.

“Up to this time, the electoral process is continuing smoothly and without any particular problems,” noted Arnaoutis, adding that the cooperation between the services involved is continuous and effective. “Members of the Police are present at all polling stations and also on patrol throughout Cyprus to ensure law and order,” he said.

Responding to a question, the Chief of Police said that no major problems or irregularities have been reported in the electoral process. “There may be minor issues, that is, they are not worth mentioning so far,” he stressed.

Finally, he replied in the negative when asked whether it is the responsibility of the Police to move political party banners that remain posted in various places.