A majority of Turkish Cypriots support a settlement of the Cyprus problem, according to a public opinion survey conducted in the north in December 2025. The poll shows that 62.2% of respondents want an agreement to resolve the Cyprus issue, while 53.31% consider renewed coexistence with Greek Cypriots acceptable.
The survey also found that 36.07% of participants view territorial concessions in exchange for political equality as acceptable.
The research was carried out through face-to-face interviews with a sample of 500 people by the Centre for Migration, Identity and Rights Studies (CMIRS). Its aim was to measure political trust, perceptions of social security, self-confidence and levels of perceived happiness among Turkish Cypriots.
According to Turkish Cypriot media, CMIRS conducts this survey on a quarterly basis, allowing for the long-term monitoring of these indicators and how they are affected by current political and social developments.
Strong support for a settlement
Among those surveyed, 62.2% said they wish to see an agreement reached on the Cyprus problem. When asked about the substance of a potential settlement, 36.07% said they would accept territorial concessions in return for political equality.
Support for renewed coexistence with Greek Cypriots stood at 53.31%, while acceptance of a bizonal, bicommunal federation reached 79.36%, one of the highest figures recorded in the survey.
Security and guarantees
The poll found that 68.74% of respondents consider the continuation of the existing system of guarantees acceptable, while 54.91% support the creation of a new international security mechanism.
At the same time, uncertainty surrounding the Cyprus problem was described as worrying by 91.79% of participants. A further 88.38% said they were concerned by the suspension or failure of negotiations for a settlement.
Concerns were also expressed about broader geopolitical factors. Some 70.35% said they were worried about Turkey’s growing influence in the north of Cyprus, while 84.37% expressed concern over the stance of international actors.
Federal solution versus alternatives
While 79.36% accept a federal solution, 52.71% also described such a prospect as worrying. By comparison, 44.08% said they found a two-state solution worrying.
A prolonged continuation of the status quo without change was considered worrying by 81.17% of respondents. Concerns were also recorded over the risk of increased isolation and restrictions (87.17%), slower economic development due to the unresolved Cyprus problem (84.38%), the possibility of renewed tensions or conflict on the island (77.76%), and energy and military developments in the eastern Mediterranean (73.95%).
Energy and security developments
According to the survey, 74.95% of respondents said they were concerned by recent energy and security agreements concluded by the Republic of Cyprus.
A significant proportion of participants identified the Cyprus problem as a core source of economic uncertainty, a key factor behind international isolation, a cause of prolonged political instability and a driver of illegality. The prolonged deadlock was also linked to reduced investment, restrictions on international trade, the emigration of young people, and broader phenomena of corruption and lack of accountability.