Public dissatisfaction remains high, with corruption, political leadership and economic pressures among the top concerns.
A vast majority of Turkish Cypriots believe conditions in the north are deteriorating, according to a new survey, which highlights deepening concern over governance and economic stability.
Findings from the Centre for Migration, Identity and Rights Studies (CMIRS), cited by Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs, show that 90.4% of respondents think things are moving in the wrong direction. The survey, conducted in March 2026 through face-to-face interviews with 500 participants, marks a continuation of persistently high levels of dissatisfaction recorded since 2017.
CMIRS director Mine Yücel said discontent peaked at 97% in 2022 and remains elevated, returning to around 90% this year.
Key concerns dominated by economy and governance
Economic issues top the list of challenges facing the Turkish Cypriot community, followed by the Cyprus problem, corruption and ineffective political leadership. Other concerns include the healthcare system, inflation and infrastructure shortcomings, particularly in electricity supply.
The outlook for the economy appears bleak. Around 63.3% of respondents expect their personal financial situation to worsen over the next two years, while just 8% anticipate improvement. On a broader level, nearly 70% predict a decline in the overall economy, compared with only 4.6% who expect conditions to improve.
Financial strain is already evident in daily life. More than half of respondents, 53.6%, say they struggle to cover basic household needs. Meanwhile, 72.8% are worried about repaying loans, and 74.2% report difficulty meeting medical expenses.
Social indicators also point to declining confidence. The happiness index for March 2026 stood at 5.95 out of 10, while the social trust index dropped to a low 3.49, raising concerns about the state of democracy and social cohesion, according to Yücel. The sustainability index was measured at 6.02 out of 10.
Source: CNA