Cyprus news: Eurovision controversy, Trump invitation, and corruption rankings

Over 40 public figures, including a former foreign minister, have called for the withdrawal of Cyprus's 2026 Eurovision entry "Jalla," citing safety concerns and a poor national image; CyBC agreed to edit the video but rejected the withdrawal. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has formally invited US President Donald Trump to Cyprus, emphasizing the island's strategic location and business potential. In global rankings, Cyprus placed 49th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. The Supreme Court upheld a €100,000 compensation award for a veterinary assistant who lost vision in one eye due to a lack of protective equipment. Meanwhile, the European Commission expressed alarm over TikTok's addictive algorithms for minors, warning of potential sanctions. Weather for Smoky Thursday is forecast to be unsettled with possible storms and temperatures reaching 19°C. Reports also highlighted illegal construction waste dumping in Mouttagiaka and the designation of Ierokipia as a Green City of Cyprus.