For a second consecutive day, Turkish Cypriot public sector trade unions in the north continued their general strike, protesting the ruling coalition’s measures regarding the cost‑of‑living allowance (CoLA). The strike remains in force today after the ruling coalition refused to withdraw the decree it had introduced cutting CoLA for the next nine months.
Earlier, a representative of the National Unity Party (UBP) Hasan Tacoy announced that the Turkish Cypriot assembly would convene today at 9am to vote on the matter. Following the announcement, police blocked the entrances to the assembly building with fire engines.
Protesters reacted to the presence of the fire engines, holding a demonstration at the site. According to reports, arrests were made, while clashes broke out between striking workers and security forces.
Tension inside building as opposition walks out
Tensions also rose inside the assembly during ‘prime minister’ Ünal Üstel’s address from the podium. Strong reactions followed the police intervention against demonstrators, prompting opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) representatives to walk out of the session.
Üstel said he was not satisfied with the atmosphere of the past two days and argued that all measures were taken for the benefit of the people. He added that the measures aim to improve prosperity and daily life, reminding that the UBP-led coalition had managed the pandemic period and completed long-standing projects.
During Üstel’s speech, CTP representatives voiced strong objections to the police intervention. They alleged that tear gas was used against citizens outside the building and called on the authorities to intervene.
CTP representative Doğuş Derya said the assembly had effectively been rendered non‑functional and stressed that they would not remain silent over what was unfolding. CTP leader Sıla Usar İncirli warned that if the police intervention did not stop, the session could not continue.
Üstel also said contacts had taken place over the past two days in an effort to find a compromise solution. However, following the escalation, CTP representatives left the session.
