Harmancı: The Government Must Resign Before Causing Further Damage to Society

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Objektif” program with Erçin Şahmaran, Harmancı said the real entity that should evaluate the outcome of the presidential election is the UBP–Yeniden Doğuş Partisi–Democrat Party coalition government. “They turned the presidential election into a general election, and the people did not approve of their projects. Sixty-three percent of society rejected them,” he said.

Harmancı noted that the UBP’s internal turmoil has paralyzed governance, with Parliament struggling even to secure a quorum. “If UBP does not hold its congress, it may not be able to pass the budget. What we saw in the election for the Speaker of Parliament shows that this is no longer an internal UBP issue—it has become a national problem,” he stated.

“The Government Is Like a Jellyfish—It Paralyzes Everything It Touches”

“The government has no backbone. It paralyzes everything it touches,” Harmancı said. “They say they have 29 MPs, but even that is no longer certain. Some MPs are persuaded to attend Parliament out of pity. The government must step aside before inflicting further damage on society. First, UBP must resolve its internal crisis, because this instability affects everything from the budget to legislation.”

Referring to Yeniden Doğuş Partisi leader Erhan Arıklı’s recent remarks, Harmancı said, “If he continues to make such statements, he should withdraw from the government. If early elections are not held and local elections come first, this government has no chance of success.”

“Society Is Tired of This Government”

Harmancı said people are exhausted by the government’s failures. “Every decision they make ends up in court. The question isn’t whether we want fiber optic infrastructure—it’s why the government is trying to hand over the telecommunications department’s accumulated infrastructure for 25 years without a tender,” he said.

He warned that lawlessness has become widespread: “There are hitmen walking around this country, and many have not been caught. Citizenship laws remain outdated. Immigration is out of control. Illegal betting operations are enriching a few individuals while the state loses potential revenue that could support youth, health, and education. We’re now being listed internationally among money-laundering hubs.”

Harmancı also highlighted the crisis in healthcare and environmental degradation. “There’s a severe shortage of medicine. Cancer has become the leading cause of death, showing that everything around us is toxic. How can society not be exhausted?” he asked.

“Equal Citizenship Rights Are Being Violated”

“Our children have no future in this country. Educated people cannot find jobs because they aren’t affiliated with coalition parties,” Harmancı said. “The Prime Minister himself said during the campaign, ‘Don’t worry about the written exam—we’ll handle the interview.’ This kind of politics destroys equal opportunity and the right to equal citizenship.”

He added, “A new government might not fix everything overnight, but it can restore justice, establish planned education, and set a roadmap for recovery.”

“The Government Has Produced Nothing for the Public”

“The Fifth President, Ersin Tatar, told investors to ‘go ahead and build, don’t listen to anyone.’ Now İskele has turned into Manhattan. But what has the public gained from this boom? No new clinics, schools, or hospitals. The wealth went only to contractors,” Harmancı said. “Billions have circulated, yet they couldn’t even build a proper sewage treatment plant.”

He stressed that if a government cannot point to a single positive achievement, it should resign. “A CTP–TDP coalition must handle the transition carefully and put merit and performance above partisan interests,” he said.

“The Country Needs Responsible Governance”

“Farmland is being opened to construction. The results of coastal pollution tests are hidden, and even when released, no one believes them,” Harmancı added. “We have reached a stage where this also threatens South Cyprus. The country urgently needs responsible policies and a credible investment climate.”

On the Communal Democracy Party’s (TDP) future, Harmancı said, “TDP will renew itself and grow stronger. Our aim is to build a dynamic, outward-looking party equipped with capable people and a new vision that connects with society.”

Municipal Projects

Speaking on municipal work, Harmancı said the Kanlıdere Project has begun, with its first stage—the road passage—underway, and the second stage set for tender in February. He added that Hamitköy’s sewage project has been completed, asphalt work is progressing in seven streets, and the area’s development will soon be irreversible.

Regarding Çetinkaya Stadium and cemetery projects, he said no progress has been made due to ministry inaction, while legal proceedings over cemetery land continue. “The Lefkoşa Master Plan now officially lists this area as a cemetery zone,” he added.