Ertuğruloğlu: “Every EU Step Spoils the Greek Cypriots”

Speaking on Sabah Postası on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Ertuğruloğlu also commented on the recent presidential election results, describing them as a reflection of the public holding the government accountable.

Ertuğruloğlu sharply criticized President Tufan Erhürman, CTP Secretary-General Erkut Şahali, and the EU. He argued that the EU’s decision to erect a monument only for Greek Cypriot losses was a major mistake and exemplifies the bloc’s long-standing disregard for Turkish Cypriots. “Since the day the EU admitted the Greek Cypriots, it has never taken any step in favor of Turkish Cypriots. The EU denies our state’s existence and undermines citizens’ trust in it,” he said, adding that any attempt to reconcile with the so-called “Republic of Cyprus” would legitimize this EU error.

Ertuğruloğlu warned that politics cannot be guided by illusions, emphasizing that as long as the TRNC maintains its stance, the EU will continue its biased approach.

On President Erhürman, he commented: “Governing a state with hope-selling is impossible. Erhürman says things everyone wants to hear, but these promises will not be realized.” He stressed the need to separate confidence-building measures from the formal Cyprus negotiations.

Ertuğruloğlu also criticized Erhürman’s references to a “united Cyprus,” highlighting Turkey’s role as guarantor throughout the island. He questioned whether Turkish Cypriots accept the notion of Greece acting as a guarantor on TRNC territory, and warned that Erhürman’s statements implying shared rights for Greek Cypriots across the island could pave the way for a “disastrous united Cyprus scenario.”

He further referenced CTP Secretary-General Erkut Şahali’s remarks questioning the TRNC’s sovereignty and reminded that the presidential oath affirms the indivisibility of the state and its people.

Ertuğruloğlu said the recent election results reflect voters’ frustration and desire to hold the government accountable: “The citizens asked the government for answers at the ballot box.” He concluded by noting that President Erhürman, in his post-election speech, thanked not only his supporters but also members of UBP, YDP, and DP.