Hızal: People Prioritize Economy, Health, Education Over Cyprus Issue

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Gündem” program, Hızal criticized the left for failing to govern alone and avoiding patriotic values, which has left it marginalized.

Hızal described his political experience as a “disappointment” and noted that after his party’s electoral failures, he withdrew from politics. He emphasized that while the left prioritizes the Cyprus problem, citizens are more concerned with everyday issues such as working conditions, education, health, environment, and economic stability.

He highlighted that the National Unity Party (UBP) has historically been the longest-serving government party, while left-wing parties have never ruled independently, remaining on the political margins. Hızal also criticized the left for hesitating to address patriotic values and for being unable to fully connect with social democratic principles, contrasting it with the right’s use of nationalism, religion, and authority in their rhetoric.

Finally, Hızal remarked on the unique character of Turkish Cypriots, describing them as one of the most secular Muslim communities in the world, and noted the historical significance of keeping religion separate from politics, particularly in response to Archbishop Makarios’ politicization of religion.