President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides extended his congratulations to newly elected Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, expressing both his respect for the Turkish Cypriot electorate and his readiness to meet with the newly elected leader at the earliest possible opportunity.
In his first official statement following the election, Christodoulides reaffirmed his “readiness, unwavering political will, and determination” to resume substantive negotiations for a Cyprus solution “from the point they were interrupted at Crans-Montana.” He added that the upcoming informal expanded meeting announced by the UN Secretary-General would be a critical opportunity for relaunching the talks.
“The solution to the Cyprus problem must be based on United Nations resolutions, Security Council decisions, and the principles and values of the European Union, of which the Republic of Cyprus is, and will remain, a member,” Christodoulides stated.
GC politicians welcome developments
In a message posted on platform X, Speaker of the House and President of the Democratic Rally (DISY), Annita Demetriou, congratulated Erhürman, emphasising the significance of the electoral result:
“The Turkish Cypriots, with their vote, have turned their backs on the two-state solution.”
She expressed hope that Erhürman’s leadership would pave the way for substantive negotiations within the agreed framework.
DISY MP and former party leader Averof Neofytou also commented on the outcome, stating that the Turkish Cypriot electorate had “rejected the two-state solution” and that “the path to a bizonal, bicommunal federation has reopened.”
Rejecting two-state solution
Independent MP with Volt Cyprus, Alexandra Attalidou, highlighted the political significance of the election, posting that “the Turkish Cypriots have spoken, and they choose a solution and reunification of our country.”
She added that “the path to a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation opens once more,” confirming that Volt Cyprus would fully support the peace process. Her message was accompanied by a Volt Cyprus graphic stating:
“Tufan Erhürman, the new Turkish Cypriot leader. A new chapter begins; the Cyprus problem reopens. Congratulations to the new leader.”
Volt Cyprus issued a broader statement hailing Erhürman’s victory as a “clear message” from the Turkish Cypriot community and declared:
“Peace in Cyprus will not be obstructed. We are turning the page; the Cyprus problem is unfreezing.”
Positive message
The Democratic Alignment (DIPA) also welcomed Erhürman’s election, interpreting the result as a rejection of the two-state model and a strong endorsement of reunification under a federal framework.
“The high percentage received by Erhürman reflects the will of the majority of the Turkish Cypriot community for a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and rejects the two-state solution,” DIPA stated.
The party described the outcome as a “positive development for the prospects of restarting meaningful Cyprus talks.”
AKEL Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou congratulated Erhürman and said that the Turkish Cypriot community had clearly chosen “federation and reunification.” He described the result as “a positive and hopeful message,” urging all sides to focus on resuming negotiations from the point they were left off, safeguarding past convergences and pursuing a comprehensive settlement.