Erhürman: The Presidency Is Our Window to the World—And We Must Use It

He emphasized that diplomacy, grounded in the will for a solution and merit-based governance, would reactivate the Turkish Cypriot community’s most vital connection to the outside world.

Speaking to Muazzez Gazihan on Haber Kıbrıs, Erhürman described the Presidency as “our most essential window to the world,” and stressed the importance of using it effectively—not just in foreign policy, but also in science, culture, and the arts.

“The Presidency Will Become a Structure That Works Around the Clock for the People”

Erhürman declared that the Presidency would cease to be an aloof institution, instead becoming the people’s house—one that is responsive to public concerns both domestically and internationally. “It will not be a palace or a villa,” he said. “It will be a place the public knows is working on their behalf.”

“The Demand for Change in the Streets Is Clear”

Reflecting on the past parliamentary term, Erhürman criticized the government's failure to bring forward legislation on pressing national issues and said oversight mechanisms in Parliament had been undermined. He noted a lack of transparency in key matters such as citizenship figures, adding, “When the administration provides widely different numbers on something as fundamental as population, it shows how unserious the situation is.”

He emphasized that there is a growing demand for change: “No one is content with the way things are—in the economy, in healthcare, or anywhere else. The sense of frustration is rising.”

“Two Pillars of Agency: Will for Solution and Meritocracy”

Erhürman identified two fundamental pillars for restoring Turkish Cypriot agency: the clear expression of a will for a solution, and working with competent professionals based on merit. “Diplomacy and dialogue are essential at every level,” he said. “When we show we genuinely want a solution, doors open. That’s why it’s crucial to master your files and deliver your message effectively.”

“We Need to Turn Our Status into Reality”

He reiterated that Turkish Cypriots are one of the two equal founding communities of the island and must transform that status into practice. “There has been a regression in our international visibility,” Erhürman said. “The most proactive periods in our history were those in which we clearly expressed our will for a solution and engaged the world.”

“There’s Much to Be Done in Science and the Arts”

Highlighting the symbolic and practical importance of the Office of the President, Erhürman noted the pride in the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and said more achievements could follow. “The Presidency in this country holds far more weight than in many others,” he concluded. “It is our most vital window to the world—and we must use it. There’s so much more to do in the fields of science and the arts. The Presidency will not be ceremonial; it will be a living, working institution—24 hours a day—for the people.”

Source: Haber Kıbrıs