Referring to the closed parliamentary session attended by President Ersin Tatar, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Secretary General, Asım Akansoy, expressed his disappointment. “As a Turkish Cypriot politician, I was ashamed of the atmosphere in the parliament”, he said, adding, “Turkish Cypriots have never been represented this poorly in history. Their aim is to further isolate Turkish Cypriots from the world“. He made these comments in an interview with Ahmet Kaptan on Channel T.
European Parliament Elections
Commenting on the European Parliament (EP) elections held in South Cyprus last Sunday, Akansoy noted that the elections caused a “shock” and had significant impacts, especially in Germany and France, leading to an early election decision in France. He highlighted concerns about the rise of the far right in these countries. Despite this, Akansoy emphasised that the basic balance in the parliament was preserved, though the Greens had lost significant votes. He attributed the rise of the far right to xenophobia, pointing out that regions experiencing high immigration face increased nationalist sentiments when the process is poorly managed.
Two Parliamentary Seats
Akansoy discussed the implications of immigration policy on social and economic balance, leading to the rise of the far right, including in South Cyprus. He noted that three Turkish Cypriots from different parties ran in the elections and that the voter turnout among Turkish Cypriots remained consistent with previous elections. He remarked on the surprising success of a social media figure in the elections, viewing it as a reaction to traditional politics. Akansoy reiterated the demand for two parliamentary seats that were allocated during the Annan Plan period, urging Turkish Cypriots to actively pursue these rights.
Parliamentary Session Disappointment
Akansoy criticised the political discourse of promoting two separate states as unrealistic and highlighted the “anomaly” in the current situation. He stressed that Turkish Cypriots should not ignore their rights derived from the Republic of Cyprus and emphasised the importance of Turkish Cypriot visibility in the European Parliament.
Regarding the recent closed parliamentary session with Ersin Tatar, Akansoy described it as the worst meeting he had ever attended, calling it unproductive and unbearable. He lamented the poor representation of Turkish Cypriots and accused the authorities of trying to further isolate them from the world. He identified political will and democracy as the country’s primary issues.
Ercan Airport’s Electricity Debt
Addressing the Cyprus Turkish Electricity Authority Employees Union (El-Sen)’s statement about Ercan Airport’s unpaid electricity debt, Akansoy supported El-Sen’s stance and encouraged continued struggle. He criticised the current government’s handling of the situation and pledged support for El-Sen.