Hasgüler Pledges to Return Varosha to Former Owners, Picks Women for Top Posts

Speaking to the Turkish News Agency (TAK) and on his campaign website, Hasgüler described himself as a “symbolic leader” who would mobilise public support and, if necessary, take to the streets to defend his policies.

Hasgüler, who announced his candidacy in June, said his campaign is guided by an eight-point roadmap that addresses the Cyprus problem, direct citizen participation in decision-making, internal security, demographic concerns, property disputes, opening new border crossings, youth empowerment, and higher-education reforms. He told reporters that he notarised his pledges in July and disclosed personal assets — one house, 350,000 TL in cash and a bicycle — and said his campaign budget totals approximately 450,000 TL.

On Varosha, Hasgüler promised rapid action. “If elected, I will open Varosha swiftly and return it to its former owners,” he said, adding that he would meet South Cyprus leader Nikos Christodoulides and pursue property solutions within an international framework. He called the move a “stopgap” to expose the severity of the island’s property crisis and said a fair resolution of ownership claims would follow.

Hasgüler outlined several austerity and redistribution measures for the presidency. He said he would live in the old presidential palace, sell two official cars and use proceeds to buy ambulances that would be parked outside the presidential complex to press for conversion of the site into a hospital. He also pledged to donate half of his presidential salary to feed children who come to school without breakfast and to redistribute discretionary state funds to the poorest families.

A self-described “madman but not crazy,” Hasgüler emphasised his grassroots credentials, saying he has never owned a car and travels by bicycle. He said his campaign relies primarily on social media and volunteer organisers and pledged transparency in public life. “I am a symbol leader. When necessary, I will go out into the streets and fight,” he declared.

On governance, Hasgüler promised to appoint women to key positions — including the undersecretary, chief of staff and presidential spokesperson — arguing that women bring empathy to decision‑making. He also supports direct-democracy tools such as national referenda and a census monitored by international observers to address demographic concerns.

On the Cyprus settlement, Hasgüler reaffirmed support for a two‑community, two‑zone federation and rejected the “two‑state” model. He invoked the 1959–60 London and Zürich agreements as the legal foundation for Turkish Cypriot rights, arguing that any durable settlement must respect that framework. He also said his first foreign trip, if elected, would be to Baku to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan and to balance regional influences.

The candidate said he would not seek re-election after a single five-year term, arguing he intends to implement rapid changes and step aside. His campaign message focuses on social justice, property rights, youth return incentives and what he calls a moral renewal for the public sphere.

Hasgüler’s proposals — particularly on Varosha — are likely to provoke intense debate both domestically and with international stakeholders. Varosha remains one of the most sensitive and unresolved aspects of the Cyprus dispute, and any unilateral moves could draw swift responses from the European Union, the United Nations and Athens.