Political uncertainty has deepened in the north after Erhan Arıklı announced that the YDP (Rebirth Party), widely regarded as a party representing the interests of Turkish settlers, is withdrawing from the coalition administration.
Arıklı said the party's governing council had decided to leave the coalition and that the decision would be formally communicated in writing to "prime minister" Ünal Üstel.
Speaking after his removal as "transport minister", Arıklı recalled that he had already publicly announced his intention to seek the lifting of his parliamentary immunity.
According to Arıklı, approximately one to one-and-a-half hours after making that statement, he received a telephone call from Üstel.
"For the smooth conduct of the investigation, I am obliged to remove you from your duties," Üstel reportedly told him.
Arıklı said he welcomed the decision.
"I thanked him. In reality, it was an opportunity I had been waiting for over the last two years. I thank the 'prime minister' for giving me this opportunity."
‘The government should have gone to elections much earlier’
The YDP leader argued that the coalition administration should have taken the occupied north to elections long ago.
According to Arıklı, persistent problems within the governing coalition had repeatedly brought him close to resignation, but he had stepped back following interventions and reactions from various quarters.
"Now the 'prime minister' has given me this opportunity," he said.
Party formally decides to withdraw
Arıklı said a meeting of the YDP Central Executive Committee had been scheduled for Wednesday, with members of the party council also participating.
"Our party council decided today to withdraw from the 'government' and tomorrow we will inform the 'prime minister' in writing," he said.
The decision marks a significant development in the political landscape of the occupied north and raises fresh questions about the stability of the coalition administration.
No further statements while search efforts continue
Arıklı also referred to the ferry disaster off Kyrenia and the ongoing search operation for 19 missing people, saying he did not wish to trigger further political confrontation while families continue to await news of their loved ones.
"There is a lot that needs to be said, but there are 19 missing people. Their relatives are waiting in great anxiety."
He said he intended to postpone broader political comments for the coming days in order to avoid creating additional tension while search and recovery efforts remain under way.
"For these few days, until the bodies are found, we do not intend to make any further statements. In any case, we are leaving the 'government'."
