Strike in Northern Cyprus continues: Unions march on parliament again

Public sector unions in Northern Cyprus are continuing their nationwide strike and protest actions over a government bill related to cost-of-living adjustments.

Union representatives state that protests will persist until the authorities withdraw the bill and the corresponding decree. Arslan Bıçaklı, head of the Türk-Sen union, emphasized that public trust in the government has been severely undermined.

The demonstration is once again taking place outside the parliament building. This morning, police cordoned off the entrances, deploying barricades and fire trucks. As the parliamentary session began around 09:40, brief clashes broke out between police and protesters. According to witnesses, demonstrators approached the barriers and expressed anger over the placement of fire engines in front of the building.

Unions also warned that due to the ongoing strike, schools remain closed today and scheduled exams have been cancelled. Operations in state hospitals are limited, with services provided for emergency cases only.

Protest representatives stated that if the authorities continue to push the legislation forward, actions could escalate in the coming days.