Candan: “I Don’t Think Turkey Will Back Ersin Tatar”

Candan also voiced confidence that CTP’s candidate, party leader Tufan Erhürman, will win in the first round. Speaking on the programme Gündem, hosted by Ulaş Barış, Candan criticised the TRNC’s two-state policy, claiming it has cornered Turkish Cypriots on multiple fronts, including property issues and crossing difficulties at checkpoints to the south.

“Two-State Policy Has Cornered Turkish Cypriots”

Commenting on problems Turkish Cypriots face when crossing into southern Cyprus, Candan said that the two-state approach adopted by the Turkish Cypriot leadership has made life increasingly difficult. “Problems in areas like property ownership and border crossings are clear examples,” he said.

He also drew attention to the inconsistencies surrounding children born from mixed marriages, noting that in some cases, one twin is granted identity documents while the other is not. “This is a serious inconsistency,” he remarked.

“This Policy Will Harm Turkey Too”

Candan warned that the current approach to the Cyprus issue is unsustainable and could also cause harm to Turkey. “This policy must be abandoned urgently,” he stated. He added that the Greek Cypriot side has become more aggressive in property claims, emboldened by the Turkish Cypriot side’s insistence on a two-state solution. “They’ve gained significant ground. We are being squeezed from all directions,” he said.

On Tatar’s Roast Lamb Photo: “It Would Draw Backlash Anywhere”

Referring to a recent photo of President Ersin Tatar posing beside a spit-roasted lamb at a restaurant, Candan said such an image would draw criticism anywhere in the world. “A politician should know better than to pose for that kind of photo,” he said.

“Backing Tatar Would Backfire on Turkey”

On speculation that Turkey may once again back Tatar in the October elections, Candan was unequivocal: “I don’t think Turkey will support Ersin Tatar. If it gets involved, it will hit a wall.”

He warned that such involvement would be a misstep. “Turkey would only hurt itself by giving the impression it supports Tatar,” he concluded.