Protesters break through police cordon and enter parliament building in Lefkoşa

Tensions erupted between demonstrators and police during a protest in Lefkoşa. After a brief scuffle, protesters broke through the police cordon and entered the parliament building, where they began chanting slogans.

The action is taking place amid a general strike declared by trade unions. The protests were triggered by a government bill concerning cost-of-living compensation payments. Unions opposed the initiative after the document was submitted to parliament for consideration.

Since morning, representatives of various unions gathered in different districts of Lefkoşa before marching in columns toward the parliament. Banners demanding the government's resignation were displayed in front of the building, and participants chanted slogans.

Authorities previously stated that wage indexation would be paid in April, but the subsequent increase is planned only for 2027. Unions believe such measures will worsen the condition of workers and reduce the population's purchasing power.

Consequently, unions announced a large-scale strike affecting schools, government offices, and other sectors. The situation at the parliament remains tense.