Toros: We Oppose Tenderless, Monopolistic Protocol — Not Fiber Optic or Türk Telekom

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Sabah Postası” programme hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Toros commented on the fiber-optic protocol, mixed voting, judicial reform and the budget.

Toros said they are not against expanding broadband infrastructure in Northern Cyprus and that CTP supports investment in fiber-optic technology. He also noted that Türk Telekom is a proven company.

However, he stressed that their objection is to a protocol prepared without a tender and in a manner that excludes both the Telecommunications Authority (BTHK) and the Telecommunications Department. Toros said CTP is opposed to a framework that prevents fair competition and grants a 25-year monopoly, adding that civil society is also objecting not to the project itself but to the procedure.

He argued that the protocol undermines equality of opportunity and contains elements that are unconstitutional, pointing out that no feasibility report has been presented and that there are shortcomings in terms of inclusiveness. Toros said no steps should be taken until these weaknesses are addressed.

Mixed Voting

Turning to the issue of mixed voting, Toros said the CTP Party Assembly had reached a principled consensus in favour of abolishing the system. However, he underlined that for such a change to be adopted in parliament, the government must first secure the necessary majority within its own ranks. Without sufficient support from the ruling parties, he said, no progress could be made.

Judicial Reform

Toros described judicial reform as an undisputed necessity but warned that the process should not be politicised. He criticised the Prime Minister for announcing a referendum for May without broad consultation, arguing that bringing forward a referendum requiring the support of 34 MPs in an environment where early elections are being discussed politicises the reform process.

He said a positive outcome would only be possible if the issue were handled with a supra-party approach and suggested postponing judicial reform until after a general election. Toros added that an early general election would be more appropriate before the summer recess.

Considering the upcoming local elections and the budget calendar, he said the timetable must be clarified so that the country’s ability to deliver services is not weakened by prolonged election bans.

Budget And Borrowing Warning

On the budget, Toros claimed that no concrete steps had been taken to increase revenues. He warned that borrowing had risen in a high-interest and high-inflation environment and that repayment at high interest rates was approaching, while the borrowing limit was nearing exhaustion.

Arguing that the fiscal structure had become unsustainable, Toros said every day the current government remains in office creates new problems for the country’s future.