The Audit Office plans to introduce artificial intelligence to accelerate its work, identify potential irregularities and free up auditors to conduct more on-site inspections, auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou said on Friday.
Presenting the office’s 2027 budget to the House finance committee, Papaconstantinou said a major co-funded project, known as AuditAI, was being planned to allow AI to carry out preliminary assessments and identify potential warning signs, or “red flags”, requiring further investigation.
He said the technology would help speed up audits and the preparation of reports, allowing staff to devote more time to inspections and other substantive work.
The Audit Office has so far submitted 31 reports and five memoranda in 2026, with another 23 reports in progress. Papaconstantinou said the target was to publish between 45 and 50 reports by the end of the year, potentially releasing two reports a week.
The office’s proposed budget for 2027 stands at €12.06 million, an increase of approximately €810,000, or 7.2 per cent, compared with €11.26 million in 2026.
Personnel costs account for 82 per cent of the budget, while 7.5 per cent is allocated to consultancy services and five per cent to software purchases.
Funding has also been allocated for staff training in Cyprus and abroad to improve the early identification of risks, strengthen accountability and ensure more efficient management of public resources.
Papaconstantinou said the office’s budget focused on improving internal operations, strengthening cooperation, making better use of staff expertise and completing audits more quickly and to a higher standard.
Addressing staffing arrangements and salary scales, he said consideration had been given to practices elsewhere in the public sector, particularly the qualifications required of auditors.
He explained that auditors were required to obtain professional qualifications, including chartered accountant certification, and that the time needed to secure these qualifications had been considered when determining salary progression.
“We considered that there should be no unfair treatment, so we equalised the time component,” he said, adding that a similar approach was followed by the Transmission System Operator.
“Let us not exaggerate. They are auditors, and that is the reasoning,” he added.
On consultancy services, Papaconstantinou said the Audit Office preferred to retain expertise internally but that certain highly specialised areas required external assistance.
He cited the information systems of the national health scheme, Gesy, and the Ippodamos planning system as examples of areas requiring specialist technical knowledge.
Papaconstantinou also emphasised the importance of increasing on-site inspections, saying that the more inspections carried out, the better.
He explained that direct inspections allowed auditors to gain firsthand knowledge of the services they were examining, improving both the effectiveness of audits and staff performance.
On audits of municipalities and district local government organisations established under the local government reform, Papaconstantinou acknowledged concerns about the new administrative structures.
He said considerable time had been devoted to examining issues involving Paphos municipality and its suspended mayor.
The auditor-general also addressed the responsibilities of the assistant auditor-general, explaining that he participated in the management team and that efforts were being made to utilise his position effectively.
“I will not say anything more. He certainly needs to work, but let us leave it at that,” Papaconstantinou said.
He rejected suggestions by Alma MP and former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides that the assistant auditor-general could assume the duties of a director, stressing that the two positions served different functions.
He said he did not accept the claims being made about the assistant auditor-general, explaining that the proposed director’s position was intended to fulfil separate management responsibilities.
“The position we are requesting is for a director’s work, and the assistant auditor-general has a different role,” he said.
In addition regarding a comment on the secondment of former civil defence commander Maria Papa to the Audit Office, Papaconstantinou said her role had been discussed with her and that, if she could not be effectively utilised, the possibility of returning her to her previous service would be considered. “If she cannot be utilised, we will look into having her return,” he said.
Cyprus is increasingly being chosen by Israelis as a destination for live music, with tourism firms reporting on Friday that the lack of international artists performing in Israel is driving demand for festivals and club nights on the island.
Speaking to Israeli news outlet Mako, Prof Alon Gelbman, head of the master’s programme in tourism at Kinneret Academic, said the security situation and the absence of many international artists from Israeli stages were pushing young people towards “alternative destinations”.
He said Cyprus had a clear advantage for Israeli tourists due to its “proximity and short flight time”.
Vice president of marketing and sales at Israeli travel agency The Flying Carpet, Oren Cohen-Maguri, said Limassol had become “a sought-after entertainment destination among young people”, with its nightlife and clubs frequently playing host to international and Israeli DJs.
Cohen-Maguri said the scarcity of international performances in Israel meant concerts in Cyprus this summer could draw strong interest, “if they do take place”.
Official figures show the shift, for Cystat confirmed 135,628 Israelis arrivals last month, up from 105,597 a year earlier, a rise of more than 28 per cent.
Israel accounted for 23.3 per cent of all arrivals, making it the second largest market behind the United Kingdom on 30.5 per cent.
Limassol has become a particular draw, with Israeli travel and entertainment listings featuring the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort, beach clubs and music festivals.
Other venues featuring on Israeli nightlife listings include The Warehouse, Shaka, Columbia Sun, SODAP Beach and Guaba.
The trend has extended beyond Limassol, with Israeli rock band Kadachat having performed at Paradise Place in Pomos on October 17, according to Tel Aviv Times, which described Israeli flags inside the venue and a Hebrew welcome sign.
The growing demand comes as international performances in Israel have become increasingly scarce, with The Israel Festival having taken place this summer without an international act, while the Music Showcase Festival expected half as many overseas gests as last year.
Security restrictions have also affected domestic concerts, with stadium performances by Omer Adam and Eyal Golan postponed following Home Front Command restrictions on large gatherings in June.
Al Jazeera reported this week that Israeli visits reached nearly 600,000 last year, more than double the 2022 figure, while Israeli investment was estimated at €5.1 billion.
The Israeli embassy estimates that between 15,000 and 20,000 Israelis consider Cyprus home, compared with around 1,000 recorded in the 2021 census.
The Court of Appeal on Friday unanimously ordered a man who killed his neighbour’s cat by repeatedly striking it on the head with a broomstick to serve a two-month prison sentence.
The court overturned an earlier decision by the Nicosia district court to suspend the sentence for three years, ruling that there had been insufficient justification for doing so.
However, it rejected the attorney-general’s argument that the two-month sentence was excessively lenient and should be increased.
In its decision, the Court of Appeal stressed the need for strict punishment of animal cruelty offences, both to deter potential offenders and to protect animals from abuse.
The man had been convicted by the Nicosia district court following his admission that he killed his neighbour’s cat in August 2021.
He repeatedly struck the animal on the head with a broomstick before placing it in a basket, where it briefly writhed before dying.
The appeal court noted that it was unclear whether the trial court had adequately considered the brutality of the repeated blows, which caused a fatal head injury, or the fact that the injured animal had subsequently been placed in a basket.
In determining the original sentence, the district court had taken into account the defendant’s admission, clean criminal record and personal circumstances as mitigating factors.
The Court of Appeal acknowledged that the two-month prison sentence could be considered lenient but found that it was not so inadequate as to warrant intervention.
However, it ruled that the mitigating factors considered when determining the length of a sentence did not automatically justify suspending it.
The appeal court found that the district court had failed to provide sufficient reasons for suspending the sentence.
It also rejected the defence’s argument that the time elapsed since the offence should be treated as a mitigating factor.
The court noted that delays in the original proceedings had resulted from difficulties serving the indictment, postponements involving the defence and the welfare office’s failure to prepare a report on time because the defendant had not responded.
The Court of Appeal therefore rejected the attorney-general’s challenge to the length of the sentence but upheld the appeal against its suspension, ordering the man to begin serving his two-month prison term immediately.
A China Southern Airlines registou um crescimento homólogo de quase 90% no volume de vendas no mercado português entre janeiro e setembro de 2026. A companhia aérea chinesa, que não tem atualmente voos diretos para Portugal, prevê reforçar a ligação Madrid–Guangzhou (Cantão) para uma operação diária no verão de 2027.
O Turismo de Portugal participa na feira, de 3 a 5 de novembro, com um stand de 1.025 m², que reúne também as sete Agências Regionais de Promoção Turística. O Reino Unido continua a ser o principal mercado internacional para Portugal, tendo gerado mais de 3,1 mil milhões de euros em receitas turísticas entre janeiro e agosto de 2026.
A 49.ª edição da prova realiza-se de 9 a 23 de janeiro, em Portugal e Marrocos, depois de a organização ter decidido abandonar excecionalmente a Arábia Saudita devido ao contexto geopolítico no Médio Oriente.
A nova ligação iniciou-se a 23 de outubro e conta com três frequências semanais, às segundas, quartas e sextas-feiras. Lisboa passa a ser o quarto destino da companhia aérea em Portugal, juntando-se ao Porto, Funchal e Ponta Delgada.
Um estudo coordenado pelo Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular da Universidade de Coimbra (CNC-UC) / Centro de Inovação em Biomedicina e Biotecnologia (CiBB) identificou uma relação entre o metabolismo materno e o stress cardíaco no recém-nascido, sobretudo quando a diabetes gestacional coexiste com excesso de peso ou com obesidade materna antes da gravidez. Em […]
Small black dots appearing along the sealant of a bathtub or shower stall are rarely just surface stains; they are typically an indication of fungal growth fueled by high humidity. When these spots reappear shortly after cleaning, it suggests that the mold has migrated beyond the surface and penetrated the actual structure of the silicone.
Silicone sealant is designed to be waterproof, but in bathrooms with poor ventilation, water droplets linger in the joints. This creates a persistent damp environment where mold spores can take root. To address this without compromising the integrity of the material, a sequenced approach to cleaning is necessary.
Managing Surface Residue
For superficial buildup, a paste made from baking soda and water provides a non-abrasive way to lift debris. By mixing the soda into a thick consistency and applying it to the affected areas, the residue can be gently agitated with a soft toothbrush. It is critical to avoid excessive pressure during this process; scratching the silicone increases its porosity, which allows dirt and moisture to settle more deeply in the future.
Cold toes in the morning, even when the thermometer reads above freezing, usually point to a specific mechanical issue rather than a lack of insulation. In active footwear like sneakers, the primary enemy of warmth is not the ambient air but moisture trapped inside the shoe. When feet sweat during movement, the resulting dampness creates a conductive layer that rapidly drains body heat the moment you stop moving, such as while waiting for a bus or standing at a crosswalk. In these conditions, dryness is more critical to maintaining temperature than the thickness of the sock material.
Managing Moisture with Starch
One method to address excess internal moisture is the use of potato starch as an absorbent. Starch has natural hygroscopic properties, meaning it can draw in and hold water vapor. However, this technique relies on specific handling to avoid damaging the footwear or creating hygiene issues.
To apply this method, a tablespoon of starch should be placed inside a dense paper towel and rolled into a flat, sealed package. This packet is then placed under a removable insole, positioned near the center of the footbed. The setup must be smooth enough that it does not create pressure points or alter the fit of the shoe. For individuals wearing narrow or tight-fitting footwear, this addition may compromise comfort or circulation, rendering the method unsuitable.
A carbonized black crust on the exterior of a frying pan is the result of polymerized grease-oil droplets that have been heated and re-heated until they form a hard, insulating layer. Beyond the aesthetic decline, this buildup acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing energy consumption.
The Mechanism of the Soak
When standard scrubbing fails, the goal shifts from mechanical force to chemical breakdown. A mixture of a carbonated cola beverage, baking soda, dish soap, and salt creates a multi-stage attack on the residue. The acids and carbonation in the cola, paired with the alkalinity of the soda, work to loosen the structural integrity of the carbonized layer, while the soap emulsifies the fatty acids holding the soot together. Salt acts as a supplementary abrasive agent during the final removal.
The primary challenge in cleaning the exterior of a pan is gravity; liquid cleaners typically run off the sides before they can penetrate the grime. To solve this, a polyethylene bag is used to create a sealed environment. This "compress effect" ensures the pan remains in continuous contact with the solution, preventing evaporation and allowing the chemicals to dwell on the surface for the necessary duration.
The Cyprus-wide clean-up campaign “Let’s Do It!” 2026 will conclude with a celebration at the Athalassa forest park in Nicosia on Sunday.
The public event will start at 9.30am and will include an organised cleaning campaign around the park with the participation of volunteers, families, students, representatives of public bodies, as well as businesses and sponsors.
According to the announcement, the campaign is Cyprus’ largest environmental and volunteer clean-up campaign and has mobilised more than 350,000 participants since 2012.
Environment commissioner Elias Myrianthous said that the campaign brings together people of all ages every year.
“Their contribution is essential, both in cleaning the areas and in raising awareness in society. The Commissioner’s Office has been firmly at the side of the organisers and volunteers since 2012, supporting the campaign and placing it under its auspices,” he said.
Myrianthous said that uncontrolled dumping and inadequate waste management burden the environment, affect our quality of life and have an economic cost for the country.
“To address this, we also need to look at our consumption habits, what we buy, how much we need and how easily we replace it. We need to limit unnecessary consumption and waste, repair and reuse what can still serve us,” he said.
Meanwhile, forestry department director Savvas Ezekiel said that his department, as the competent body for the protection, management and sustainable development of the forest ecosystems of Cyprus, has consistently supported the campaign, actively contributing to the effort for a cleaner and healthier natural environment.
“Environmental protection is not limited to an individual campaign, but is a collective responsibility and ongoing effort, in which the active participation of citizens is crucial,” he said.
National coordinator of the campaign, Ileana Nicholson, said that “Let’s Do It!” Cyprus was more than a clean-up campaign.
“It is a movement of people choosing to take action, to work together and to protect their place. Behind every clean-up are volunteers, students, teachers, organizations and partners who selflessly offer their time and energy. Without them, none of this would be possible,” she said.
She said that the biggest challenge was not to collect more waste, but to reach a time where volunteers would find less garbage dumped in nature.
“And this can only be achieved through education, consistency and cooperation between the state, businesses and civil society. Change is not the business of a few. It is in the hands of all of us,” she said.
Prepare your family for the unexpected with these emergency essentials. Whether you're facing an unexpected power outage, a fire, car troubles or simply need some basic first aid, these products can help you have peace of mind, so you're ready for anything. Some are designed to protect important documents, ensure your vital devices always stay charged, give you a guiding light in the dark or even jump start your car in the case of an emergency. While you might not need these items today, it's smart to always keep them on hand.
The Kelvin8 multitool has eight tools for emergency situations, including a power bank with a hand crank, seatbelt cutter, window breaker, flashlight, alarm, SOS signal and decibel siren. It fits comfortably in your hand and your car's glovebox. You can purchase one for $10 off or get two with this offer.
Keep a four-pack of emergency blankets in your car and at home. They help retain body heat during cold-weather emergencies and store easily in a trunk or closet thanks to their compact foil packaging. The tear-resistant Mylar can also be reused when kept in good condition.
Activate this personal safety alarm in seconds to sound a 130-decibel siren — about as loud as a jet taking off. Clip it to a keychain or slip it into a pocket for quick access. Choose a single alarm or take advantage of the buy three, get two free offer.
During unexpected power outages, a weather radio keeps you up to date on forecasts. It charges three different ways — USB, hand-crank or solar — so you always have a backup when needed. It also acts as a power bank that gets your phone up and running.
This survival kit comes with everything you need for minor emergencies, from a hatchet and hammer tool to a first aid kit and paracord gear. Carry it anywhere in a compact backpack that fits easily with your camping or hiking gear.
A kit like this makes it easy to keep your emergency supplies in one place. Designed for two people, it includes enough food, water, first-aid supplies and other essentials to last three days away from home.
This first aid kit has bandages, gloves and antiseptic wipes to help you treat burns, scrapes and cuts. Store the compact case in your glovebox or carry-on so you always have essential medical supplies within reach.
This handy straw filter gives you access to clean water anywhere. As you sip, the straw filters out bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand and more. One straw is good for 1,000 gallons of drinking water.
Protect important documents with this fireproof bag, complete with two pockets and two waterproof zippers. The reflective strip helps you spot it in the dark.
Car emergency gear
Stay ready for roadside emergencies with a jump starter, tire inflator and seat belt cutter.
If you're trapped in your car after an accident, these seat belt cutters can help you escape. Use the sharp blade to cut through a belt and the metal tip to shatter window glass.
A dead car battery can ruin your day, so stay prepared with a jump starter. This model can start your car without another vehicle or jumper cables and includes a built-in air compressor for inflating tires. For more power, the Noco Boost jump starter works with trucks, boats and sedans in a compact design.
Need a quick way to pump up your tire after a flat? Keep this inflator in your car for roadside emergencies. It's simple enough to use one-handed, and the LED screen shows you the remaining battery and your tire's PSI.
Fix a flat quickly on your own with a tire patch kit. Use the included pliers to remove debris, clear the hole with the other tools and seal it with durable rubber strips.
Packed into a small bag, this 108-piece roadside kit offers all the necessities in one place — from jumper cables to reflective gear and a first aid kit. With it, you can stay safer when you're stuck on the side of the road.
Power outage essentials
Don’t get stuck in the dark — these tools keep your home lit during blackouts.
Save money and reduce waste with rechargeable batteries. This Duracell set includes a compact charger for AA and AAA batteries, along with four precharged AA batteries.
Stash these mini flashlights around the house for backup lighting during outages. They may be small, but they're powerful, with multiple zoom modes and both strobe and SOS options for emergencies.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 powers up to seven devices at once and weighs just 24 pounds, making it easy to move from room to room or take on the go. Better yet, it recharges in as little as an hour through the app.
An LED lantern, like this one, is great to have on hand for power outages. It produces 400 lumens (similar to a flashlight or headlamp), has three brightness modes and is designed not to crack, even if dropped.
Keep your devices charged with this power bank. It has four built-in cables — USB-A, USB-C, Micro-USB and one for charging the bank itself — so you don’t have to keep track of extra cords. You can also plug in three additional chargers to power up to six devices at once.
Now that crisp, cool weather is here, it's time to switch out cooling blankets and linens for warmer options. From flannel sheets to heavyweight down comforters tofuzzy throws, these swaps can help keep you comfortable during the colder months. Some picks are even up to 83% off, so you can update your home for less.
Replace cold sheets with a set of flannel ones from L.L.Bean for a warmer night's sleep. They come in eight plaid patterns that blend perfectly with holiday decor.
These Eddie Bauer sheets blend comfort and style with plaid and striped options. Crafted from 100% cotton flannel, they'll keep you toasty without leaving you sweating.
At 83% off, this soft microfiber sheet set is a simple and affordable bedding upgrade. Its breathable fabric helps hot sleepers stay cool overnight. These sheets also hold up to multiple washes and come in a host of colors, making it easy to match them to your fall bedding setup.
Wrap yourself in softness with Bedsure's fluffy comforter set, complete with two pillowcases. The ribbed look adds a stylish aesthetic, while the soft flannel texture holds in the heat while you sleep.
Top your bed or the back of your couch with UGG's Adalee throw for a faux fur blanket that's as soft as it looks. It's free from chemicals and toxins, making it hypoallergenic. More than 7,000 shoppers bought one last month, with one reviewer saying, "This blanket is incredibly soft, luxurious, and looks gorgeous on the bed. It's such high quality and would make an amazing gift for anyone who loves cozy home items. Highly recommend!"
Sleep Number's LuxWarmth comforter comes in three different warmth weights: light, medium and extra warmth. The 100% cotton fabric cover feels soft against the skin and helps with heat regulation, ensuring you stay warm without overheating.
Choose from midweight or lightweight options and get a duvet comforter that's worth the splurge. The anti-clumping fill offers the breathability of natural down with added warmth. There are also bamboo and silk fabrics if you prefer a softer feel.
The Woodland Retreat quilt set brings fall patterns into your space with a collection of pinesetcones and other forest plants. It turns your room into a rustic retreat, and is lightweight so you can layer it with other blankets.
Just because fall is here doesn't mean you want the heat buildup. This cooling mattress topper pulls heat away from your body, helping you sleep cooler. It also gives your bed 3 inches of extra padding, transforming firm mattresses into a plush bed.
Side sleepers get the support they need from Layla's BioCrystal pillow. Infused with 16 crystals that promote relaxation, this pillow works hard to keep you well-rested. Adjust the loft to get the ideal height for your needs. Now through Nov. 26, FOX readers can get an extra 20% off the sale price of both BioCrystal pillows with code FOXDEAL. That brings the Side Sleeper Pillow down to $119 and the Classic Pillow to $111.
Silk feels amazing any time of the year, so swap your cotton pillowcase for mulberry silk. The breathable fabric feels gentle on your hair and skin while helping reduce overnight frizz and friction. Silk also helps trap heat without the weight, so you stay warm on colder nights.
More than 70,000 shoppers bought these Beckham Hotel Collection pillows last month on Amazon, showcasing their popularity. The fluffy fill holds its shape even if you move frequently at night, and the cotton covers add a cooling element that helps prevent overheating — a helpful feature for those who sleep hot even in the winter.
Upgrade your bathroom for the fall with this towel set from Quince. Made from 100% Turkish cotton, it includes two extra-plush bath towels. They're soft, absorbent and available in a range of colors to match your space.
During the fall and winter, stop heat from leaking out drafty windows with a pair of blackout curtains. The back loops hide behind the curtain fabric for a cleaner look.
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A China Southern Airlines registou um crescimento homólogo de quase 90% no volume de vendas no mercado português entre janeiro e setembro de 2026. A companhia aérea chinesa, que não tem atualmente voos diretos para Portugal, prevê reforçar a ligação Madrid–Guangzhou (Cantão) para uma operação diária no verão de 2027. 
O Turismo de Portugal participa na feira, de 3 a 5 de novembro, com um stand de 1.025 m², que reúne também as sete Agências Regionais de Promoção Turística. O Reino Unido continua a ser o principal mercado internacional para Portugal, tendo gerado mais de 3,1 mil milhões de euros em receitas turísticas entre janeiro e agosto de 2026. 
A 49.ª edição da prova realiza-se de 9 a 23 de janeiro, em Portugal e Marrocos, depois de a organização ter decidido abandonar excecionalmente a Arábia Saudita devido ao contexto geopolítico no Médio Oriente. 
A nova ligação iniciou-se a 23 de outubro e conta com três frequências semanais, às segundas, quartas e sextas-feiras. Lisboa passa a ser o quarto destino da companhia aérea em Portugal, juntando-se ao Porto, Funchal e Ponta Delgada. 
