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Tensions and Clashes at Turkish Cypriot Union Protest

Published January 14, 2026, 12:17
Tensions and Clashes at Turkish Cypriot Union Protest

Tensions and minor clashes broke out in the occupied territories during a mass demonstration by five Turkish Cypriot unions protesting against the economic policies of the “government”. The protesters, holding banners and chanting slogans, attempted to enter a hotel where “Prime Minister” Unal Ustel was giving a press conference on the achievements of the past four years. The unions KTAMS, KAMUSEN, KAMU-İŞ, KTÖS and KTOEÖS, with the support of the electricity and telecommunications unions, are demanding an adjustment of the minimum wage based on the cost of living and an update of the tax brackets. They attributed their dissatisfaction to the policies of the “governing” coalition and accused “ministers” and “MPs” of corruption and mismanagement in areas such as education, health and energy. The protesters' attempt to enter the hotel was repelled by the “police”, resulting in unrest and pushing. The incident demonstrates the tension prevailing in the occupied territories due to economic problems and allegations of corruption.