The measure that triggered Monday's clashes outside the Turkish Cypriot 'assembly' in the north has now come into force, after being published in the “official gazette” in a 61‑page decision.
Tensions surrounding the Cost‑of‑Living Allowance (CoLA) in the north have entered a new phase, as the bill that failed to pass through the 'assembly' has nevertheless been put into effect through a decree just as trade unions suspended their mobilisation in the hope of a renewed dialogue.
According to Turkish Cypriot press, the “decree with the force of law”, regulating CoLA payments for public servants, was published in the “official gazette” and includes the changes that provoked intense union opposition and led to the general strike.
This development followed the decision of the 'assembly head', Ziya Öztürkler, not to convene the plenary after the violent clashes that occurred outside. Believing that space had opened for negotiations, the unions announced the suspension of strike action, with employees returning to work.
However, amid this temporary de‑escalation, the ruling coalition proceeded with publication of the decree, immediately putting the CoLA regulation into effect and reversing expectations for a dialogue‑driven easing of tensions.
Under the provisions of the decree, the CoLA allowance – normally paid in January and July – will be adjusted for 2026. It will be paid in two phases based on the increase effective from 1 January 2026: a three‑month payment in April 2026 and a nine‑month payment in January 2027.
The move is expected to reignite tension, as unions may return with new mobilisations.
Erhürman says he won't remain a bystander to developments
In a statement, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman said: “The decree may have serious consequences for constitutional order, internal state relations and crisis management,” stressing that it undermines social trust, which is “more necessary than ever today”.
He added that every effort had been made to foster constructive dialogue with the ruling coalition, yet the decision was taken without informing society or the institutions. Under such circumstances, he said, the institution he represents cannot remain silent.
Erhürman concluded that at a time when society is experiencing a deep crisis of trust and concern, the decision only intensifies this climate. He assured that his office would not remain a bystander to developments.
Opposition leader calls for early elections
The leader of opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Sila Usar Incirli, said: “Faced with the bills submitted to parliament aimed at freezing the cost‑of‑living allowance, thousands of people took to the streets and we fought a determined battle inside parliament.
“The right thing to do would have been to withdraw these bills, consult with those concerned, and begin a dialogue. However, after announcing that the plenary would not convene and pushing the unions to suspend the strike, the government insidiously froze CoLA through a decree with the force of law."
She added: “This is outright political deception. It is misleading society. It is a blow to the democratic process. The government has now collapsed politically. It has completely lost its legitimacy and credibility in the eyes of society."
Concluding, Incirli called for elections, saying: “The country has no more time to lose. There is no way out other than early elections.”