Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has reported signs of improvement at key crossing points, while warning of a deepening political rift over a controversial decree.
Speaking to a television channel, Erhürman said conditions at the Ayios Dometios crossing have shown some improvement, with procedures also under way at the Zodia crossing. Issues at the Deryneia crossing are expected to be resolved.
Turning to internal developments, Erhürman criticised the handling of a “legislative decree” related to cost-of-living allowance (COLA), saying he had received no prior briefing.
He also referred to recent unrest during trade union protests, noting that several people were injured. Erhürman said he had held contacts with 'prime minister' Ünal Üstel and union representatives in an effort to ease tensions and foster dialogue.
However, he stressed that the possibility of issuing a decree was not raised during his meeting with Üstel, adding that he only learned of the decision the following morning through its publication in the official gazette.
Erhürman warned that the move risks seriously undermining trust, questioning whether governments might increasingly bypass the 'parliament' when facing difficulty securing approval for legislation.
CNA