Sıla Usar: 2026 Is Not Just An Election, But The Threshold Of Social Liberation

Speaking on an Ada TV programme, İncirli made strong statements on the political agenda, sharply criticising what she described as the current government’s failures in governance and the deep social crisis into which the country has been drawn. Responding to criticism directed at courtesy gestures seen during CTP’s 55th anniversary reception, İncirli recalled her firm stance from the podium, saying: “No one should confuse our courtesy with our determination in struggle. From that podium, we demanded accountability for all corruption and irregularities in the strongest terms, and we will continue to do so.”

‘WE ARE FACING A SOCIAL COLLAPSE’

Drawing attention to security shortcomings and escalating social violence, İncirli argued that the current system has completely lost its ability to protect the lives and property of the public. Stressing that violence spreading from schools to the streets was not a coincidence, she said: “Our people are not only trapped in an economic bottleneck, but are also on the brink of a serious social collapse. Our young people are forcing migration routes to escape this insecure climate. Our responsibility is not only to fix the numbers, but to restore peace and trust in this society. Together, we will dispel this darkness through our social state principles.”

‘THE SOURCE OF THE BUDGET DEFICIT IS INCOMPETENCE AND INFORMALITY’

Commenting on the economic outlook, İncirli pointed to the large deficit in the 2026 budget, saying the main reasons were poor governance and a lack of merit. Claiming that public resources were being channelled to certain interest groups, she continued: “While the Treasury continues to borrow, our people are being crushed under a heavy tax burden. We will put an end to a system rife with tenderless procurements and allegations of irregularities. Under a CTP government, there will be zero tolerance for bribery and corruption. By eliminating informality, we will ensure tax justice and redirect state resources back to public services, investment and the protection of purchasing power.”

‘2026 WILL BE THE YEAR OF CHANGE AND SOLUTION’

İncirli said the 2025 presidential election would be a milestone in reaffirming the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, adding that the process should be crowned with an early general election. Highlighting the importance of Tufan Erhürman’s vision in this change, she said: “The Turkish Cypriot people are not condemned to despair. The year 2026 will be a year in which a fair order is established at home, and solution-oriented negotiation processes on the Cyprus issue are revived abroad. We are ready to govern, and we are coming together with our people.”