Erhürman: Minimum Wage Rises, Purchasing Power Falls, Economy Mismanaged

Speaking on Ahmet Kaptan's program Kaptan’s Diary on Kanal T, Erhürman stated that although the minimum wage has risen, it hasn't led to any real improvement in purchasing power. "Even when you have a cup of coffee or dine out, you can clearly see how much your purchasing power has diminished," he said, criticizing the government's handling of the economy, which he claimed has worsened over the last eight months.

Erhürman also pointed out that the shift of consumer shopping to the south has led to a decrease in government revenues. He noted, "Despite wage increases, inflation and the cost of living have risen, and the financial strain is felt more every day."

"A General Sense of Discontent"

Highlighting the atmosphere of discontent in the country, Erhürman remarked, "Nobody can say they are happy or that things are going well." He criticized the current administration for failing to govern effectively and for being indifferent to growing problems. Referring to the ongoing shift in economic activity towards the south, he argued that the government shows no concern for this issue either.

"Purchasing Power Eroded, Small Businesses Struggling"

Erhürman stressed that while the minimum wage has increased nominally, it has not translated into tangible benefits for citizens. He said purchasing power continues to erode, and small businesses are particularly hard-hit by rising personnel costs. "The economy is not being managed," he declared, calling the situation unsustainable.

"Their Focus Isn’t on Governance"

Erhürman went on to accuse the government of neglecting critical sectors such as education and healthcare. "Our children in public schools and those in private schools do not deserve this kind of inequality," he said, calling for a change in government. Erhürman also expressed confidence in his party’s readiness to lead, saying, "The Turkish Cypriot people do not deserve this mindset; we are ready, and there is a solution."

He criticized the delay in reopening public schools, attributing it to political maneuvering, and emphasized the widening inequalities in education. Erhürman concluded by stating that while the country faces many challenges, the current government is uninterested in addressing them.