Economic hardship, rising social tensions and declining trust in institutions are among the main concerns identified in a September 2026 survey conducted by Prologue Consulting in the north.
According to the poll, 67.2% of respondents believe the socio-economic situation, particularly the economic crisis, is out of control, while 75.4% reject the view that the "government" is dealing effectively with the problems facing society.
Commenting on the findings, Prologue Consulting director Mine Yucel said growing anger and aggression within the Turkish Cypriot community could not be explained solely by individual behaviour. Incidents of violence and disputes over everyday matters, including road traffic and school parking spaces, pointed to broader social tensions, she said.
The survey analysis suggests that economic pressure is increasingly being accompanied by a sense of losing hope for the future, with workers feeling they are not fairly compensated, expectations for economic improvement remaining low and young people leaving the north.
According to the analysis, perceptions that rules are not applied equally, coupled with declining confidence in institutions, are further fuelling public anger. The lack of effective mechanisms for resolving problems has created a cycle of disappointment, helplessness and frustration.
Other factors identified as contributing to the situation include unemployment, housing challenges, corruption, social inequalities, the Cyprus problem and shortcomings in "public" services.
The analysis also highlights population growth that has not been matched by corresponding investment in infrastructure, including healthcare, education, transport, water supply and energy.
It concludes that addressing the problem will require strengthening justice, transparency, public participation and confidence in institutions, alongside meaningful steps towards a settlement of the Cyprus issue.
Source: CNA
