The conflict over the cost‑of‑living allowance (CoLA) in the north escalated into a full‑scale confrontation on Monday, as 63 trade unions and organisations held another general strike and demonstrators clashed with police outside the assembly building. Protesters demanded the withdrawal of the decree cutting the allowance and called for the resignation of the ruling coalition.
Tensions escalated shortly after midday, when demonstrators broke through police cordons and advanced towards the entrance of the building. Earlier clashes had already occurred, and at one point protesters managed to enter the building after forcing their way past barriers.
The atmosphere at the protest was oppressive, with whistles, car horns and chants setting the tone. Demonstrators called on the ruling coalition in the north to resign and shouted slogans like “unity, struggle, solidarity” and “we will win through struggle”, along with sarcastic chants targeting political figures.
Injuries reported
The clashes resulted in injuries. According to the Turkish Cypriot press, protesters, union officials and journalist Ayşe Atçikel were injured, while several demonstrators fainted amid the crowds. Hür‑İş union leader Ahmet Serdaroğlu also reportedly felt unwell. Ambulances rushed to the scene to provide first aid.
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader Sıla Usar İncirli warned that the situation had put lives at risk, saying that “a dangerous level of tension was created because society was not listened to”. She added that the “police cannot manage it”.
Ultimatum
Shortly after midday, the unions issued an ultimatum to the ruling coalition, demanding its resignation within half an hour and warning that otherwise they would enter the building. They also made clear that protests would continue until the ruling coalition stepped down.
Later in the afternoon, assembly speaker Ziya Öztürkler commented on the clashes outside the building, seeking to calm tensions and strike a reassuring tone. He said there was willingness to convene the assembly to discuss the matter.
KTAMS union leader Güven Bengihan took a hard line, ruling out any dialogue. “This government must go,” he said, accusing it of “leading the country into darkness and towards the edge”. He also criticised the fact that protesters were pitted against the police, stressing that “the goal is not confrontation with police officers, but political change”.
Bengihan described the current administration as “the worst government ever”, linking it to corruption cases and insisting that society is defending its future and its dignity.
Postponement adds to tension
Meanwhile, the judicial hearing of the unions’ appeal against the CoLA decree has been postponed to April 9. The decision is expected to further inflame social and political tensions in the north.