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Energy, Pensions And Reform: Christodoulides Outlines Government Priorities

Lowering electricity costs remains at the heart of the Cypriot government’s agenda, with President Nikos Christodoulides describing energy reform as the administration’s most urgent challenge despite recent measures aimed at easing pressure on households.

Speaking during an interview with ANT1, the president said reducing electricity prices continues to be the government’s immediate focus, while broader reforms are centred on expanding renewable energy generation and strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure.

Renewables And Storage

According to Christodoulides, Cyprus has increased the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix from around 17–18% when his administration took office to approximately 25–26%. While describing the progress as encouraging, he argued that significantly higher levels will be needed in the coming years.

A key priority, he said, is expanding energy storage capacity, which would allow renewable electricity to be stored more efficiently and improve the stability of the national grid. The first storage systems are expected to begin operating this year.

Pension Reform Moves Forward

Beyond energy, the government is also preparing legislation to overhaul the pension system. Christodoulides said discussions between the Ministries of Labour and Finance are nearing completion, with the proposed reform expected to increase lower pensions by between €250 and €300, depending on the category.

He also urged Parliament to move quickly once the legislation is submitted so that beneficiaries do not face unnecessary delays.

No Decision Yet On 2028

The president declined to confirm whether he intends to seek a second term, saying he will decide during 2027 after assessing the government’s progress in delivering its programme.

Rejecting claims that his administration has already shifted into election mode, Christodoulides said his priority remains implementing reforms rather than preparing for the next presidential race.

Defending The Government’s Record

The interview also touched on corruption, crisis management and cooperation with Parliament. Christodoulides argued that strengthening the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving transparency, while pointing to changes introduced after last year’s wildfires and the drone incident at the British Bases as examples of lessons that have strengthened Cyprus’ emergency response systems.

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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