Sıla Usar İncirli: We Will Build An Inclusive Government

Speaking on the television programme Good Morning Cyprus with Serhat İncirli on Kanal Sim, İncirli made wide-ranging remarks, responding to criticism directed at the CTP and outlining the party’s political vision. She underlined that the CTP has clear principles and values from which it will never deviate, adding that political polarisation serves only the status quo.

“The Struggle For An Early Election Date Will Continue”

İncirli recalled that the CTP moved swiftly into the presidential election process and subsequently held its party congress, adding that the next objective is an early general election. She criticised Prime Minister Ünal Üstel’s remarks on the timing of elections, noting that December had been mentioned despite local elections also being scheduled for that month.

“Mr Üstel speaks of December, but local elections are due then. Holding both at the same time is not possible. In effect, he is expressing a wish that cannot be realised,” she said, emphasising that the struggle to secure an early election date would continue.

“I Told Üstel His Decision Was Wrong — Responsibility Lies With UBP”

İncirli also addressed allegations that National Unity Party (UBP) MP Emrah Yeşilırmak obtained a fake diploma, saying such claims could not be ignored. “If there is an allegation of a crime against an MP, that person must be tried,” she said, reminding that the CTP had voted in favour of lifting Yeşilırmak’s parliamentary immunity, but this was blocked by government votes.

She said the main issue was one of representation, arguing that appointing Yeşilırmak as a representative to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was inappropriate and caused public discomfort. İncirli stated that she had conveyed this directly to Ünal Üstel and stressed that responsibility ultimately lay with the UBP.

“CTP’s Stance On Federation Will Never Change”

Commenting on her recent contacts in Ankara, İncirli described the visit as highly successful and said she was particularly affected by meetings with Turkish Cypriot youth living there. “You feel, to your core, how necessary change is. There is deep damage, and it affects future generations the most,” she said.

İncirli criticised what she described as the deliberate distortion of her remarks by one journalist following a meeting with the press in Ankara, claiming this was done to protect the existing status quo. She reiterated that the CTP stands firmly against the status quo and is committed to change.

She stressed that the party’s support for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation based on political equality remains unchanged. “We explained very clearly what a comprehensive solution means for Turkish Cypriots and how a federal settlement would benefit Cyprus and the region. The CTP’s position on this will never change,” she said.

“We Are Marching Towards Power With An Inclusive Vision”

Reiterating that the CTP is ready to govern, İncirli said the party aims to unite society through dialogue and compromise. She warned that conflict and polarisation only reinforce the status quo and prevent a just, equal, free and democratic Cyprus from emerging.

“Our goal is clear,” she said. “To take the necessary steps towards resolving the Cyprus issue, and to rid the country of a mentality that damages and erodes it every single day.”

“The Marginalisation Of Turkish Cypriots Has Become More Visible”

İncirli also addressed the Cyprus problem in a broader geopolitical context, noting that it has become even more complex amid regional developments. She criticised the European Union’s current presidency under the Greek Cypriot leadership for failing to include any reference to Turkish Cypriots or to relations with Turkey.

“The exclusion and marginalisation of Turkish Cypriots has become even more evident during the EU presidency period,” she said, calling for Turkish Cypriots to be included in EU activities and for stronger engagement between the EU and the Turkish Cypriot community.

Concluding her remarks, İncirli said she was proud to lead the CTP as a woman, underlining the party’s commitment to equality. She stressed that the ultimate objective was to form a government capable of delivering the services people need and deserve.