Oğuz: Opposition Only Opposes, Offers No Solutions

Interior Minister Dursun Oğuz appeared on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Sabah Postası” programme, hosted by Gökhan Altıner.

Responding to questions from Altıner, Oğuz evaluated the financial situation and the stance of the opposition, saying: “The opposition is only doing opposition; the opposition has no proposals.” He stated that the government has taken the first step to reduce expenditures by implementing a 10 percent cut across all ministries’ budgets.

He added that, alongside other austerity measures, the government is also working on revenue-increasing initiatives, while noting that rising input costs due to global developments are negatively affecting the fiscal situation. Oğuz stressed that the economic difficulties are not unique to the country but are part of a global crisis.

He also said that a significant portion of the budget has been allocated to strengthening and renewal works under earthquake preparedness measures. Oğuz noted that the state has also foregone certain revenues in an effort to prevent fuel price increases, adding that such decisions have been criticised on social media.

Claiming that the Greek Cypriot side targets promotion activities and key economic sectors in the north, particularly construction, Oğuz said efforts are being carried out in line with sectoral demands to revive economic activity.

“We are not successful in managing perception,” Oğuz said, referring to projects initiated between 2010 and 2012 during former Prime Minister İrsen Küçük’s term, stating that they were left incomplete. He added that under Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, these projects were completed, and said: “If what was planned then had been completed between 2015 and 2018, different projects could have been implemented today.”

Oğuz said these works do not receive sufficient public attention and reiterated: “We are not successful in managing perception.”

Cost-of-living adjustment

Commenting on the cost-of-living adjustment, Oğuz said the prevailing view in the relevant committee is to pay half of the increase in June. He said decisions would depend on current conditions and global developments.

Recalling that the government had previously provided three cost-of-living adjustments within a single year, Oğuz said citizens were not left disadvantaged at the time, but argued that current policies are still criticised and assessments should be more objective.

Referring to the election period, Oğuz said: “If conditions were suitable, this government would provide cost-of-living adjustments every four months. If such a proposal is being made, it should be understood that current conditions are difficult.” He added that no steps that would trigger public backlash would be taken unless necessary.

Housing and youth support schemes

On rural land allocation, Oğuz said plots are distributed without party discrimination to eligible recipients. In urban areas, he said various forms of support are provided to young people, including the “First Home Loan” scheme and social housing alternatives.

He highlighted the advantages of the loan programme, stating that those who benefited in 2023 have monthly instalments of around 17,500 TL, which remain below current rental prices. He said beneficiaries in 2024 pay around 32,500 TL, while those in 2025 pay approximately 46,500 TL, adding that the model enables young people to become homeowners.

Oğuz concluded by arguing that the government’s work is criticised by the opposition and that its actions are not properly communicated to the public.