Pertev Criticizes Current Politics, Calls for Systemic Reform in Northern Cyprus

Pertev said that politics during his tenure was “better organized,” with routine daily work and a different approach to unions compared to the present. He stressed the importance of unions as “critical institutions that guide both the minister and the government,” adding, “They show you the way.”

He criticized the current treatment of unions, noting that they are being “wasted” and that both the opposition and the ruling party fail to engage them proactively. “Waiting until the situation reaches a breaking point to show support is wrong. Dialogue should happen well in advance, by both the opposition and the government,” he said. Pertev also mentioned that union leaders were put in a difficult position during recent strike actions, whereas dialogue was more common in his time.

Reflecting on his ministerial period, Pertev addressed external pressure claims: “If you know what you’re doing, there is no external pressure—only support. If you don’t, and you try to blame others, that’s when you call it ‘external pressure.’” He highlighted that 80% of the budget in Cyprus comes from local resources and 20% from Turkey, emphasizing that proper use of these funds requires clarity on what is being done—a standard he says is lacking in both government and opposition.

Pertev also commented on parliamentary gridlock, recalling when the Assembly could not elect a Speaker, saying: “The Grand Assembly was used harshly. Both the opposition and the government looked at events only from their perspective. The country suffered to make things difficult for the ruling party. The people should not bear that cost.”

He criticized politicians on both sides for losing sight of their responsibility to serve the public and reminded that parliamentarians serve in trust for the people.

Finally, reflecting on the broader system, Pertev expressed his dissatisfaction with politicians in office since 1974, calling for a systemic overhaul: “The system doesn’t work. Party structures are rotten. Every party has its own problems. Many things need to start from scratch.”