Turkish Cypriot trade unions are escalating tensions with the 'government' over the cost-of-living allowance (COLA), following a decree freezing the adjustment until January 2027. At a press conference, more than 30 unions announced they are filing a legal challenge against the decree, which provides for the integration and suspension of COLA. Using sharp rhetoric, union representatives accused the “government” of misleading society and “usurping the will of parliament”. They argue that issuing a decree while the “parliament” is in session constitutes a serious institutional breach.
At the same time, they made clear they will not accept what they describe as unlawful measures, prioritising immediate legal action. Mustafa Baybora, a leading figure within the teachers’ union movement (KTÖS), announced the resumption of strike action. Unions signalled that, with the reopening of the parliamentary plenary, mobilisations will continue from where they left off. Since 1 April, unions have also refused to carry out overtime work. A new protest is scheduled outside the 'court', where an application for an interim order will be filed.
Political clash intensifies
At the political level, tensions are rising, with a public confrontation between Tufan Erhürman and “prime minister” Ünal Üstel taking both personal and institutional dimensions. Üstel responded sharply to earlier remarks by Erhürman, who had warned that the “presidency” would not remain passive in response to the decree freezing COLA. The 'prime minister' described those comments as “unfortunate and incompatible with institutional order”, criticising in particular that they were made via social media.
“Governance requires seriousness, respect for institutions and commitment to the rule of law,” Üstel said, adding that “state matters must be handled through institutional procedures and not public posts”.
Erhürman responded in equally strong terms, describing the remarks as “a bad April Fool’s joke” and questioning references to “seriousness” and the “rule of law” at a time when, as he argued, public trust is deteriorating.
The 'finance minister' Özdemir Berova defended the suspension of COLA, stressing the urgency of implementing the relevant legislation. He said that if the process had been completed after 31 March, implementation would not have been possible, as a new adjustment period would begin, creating a new entitlement to cost-of-living increases. For this reason, he said, the 'government' proceeded with issuing a decree to ensure the measure could take effect. Berova added that approval of the law by the 'parliament' should be considered a given and would be completed soon, in an attempt to ease reactions.