Leader of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Tufan Erhürman, questioned how accurate assessments of youth unemployment can be made without knowing the population size. Speaking at the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce’s General Assembly yesterday, Erhürman emphasised the need for a fresh perspective, saying, “We’ve grown tired of certain things. It’s time to look at the bigger picture“, Yeniduzen reported.
Reflecting on the Chamber’s early days in 1958, he noted the significant economic progress since then but also pointed out the widespread unhappiness among the youth, many of whom express a desire to leave the country. He argued that this dissatisfaction isn’t limited to the poor; it’s a general issue affecting everyone.
Erhürman discussed the unpredictability in the region, which discourages investments and causes economic instability. He mentioned a businessperson’s reluctance to invest in Cyprus due to this uncertainty.”The issue goes far beyond how much money you have“, said Erhürman. Referring to a businessperson who avoided investing in Cyprus, he said that “A businessperson in Turkey once said, ‘I don’t write on ice, I don’t invest in Cyprus.’ In a region where unpredictability is so widespread, either no investment comes in, or the investment that does come isn’t the kind you want. And when that happens, you’re not thrilled about the investment because you have to deal with its challenges“.
He also touched on problems in the construction, tourism, and agriculture sectors, stressing that political unpredictability leads to economic instability.
On the political front, Erhürman insisted that the Turkish Cypriots’ status as an equal founding partner cannot be taken away, and any negotiations must recognise this political equality. He warned against returning to the current status quo if negotiations fail and emphasised the need for a strategic approach that secures the future for the Turkish Cypriots. Erhürman concluded by stressing the urgency of addressing the widespread unhappiness and ensuring predictability in the country’s future.