Trade Unions Protest In Front Of Prime Ministry: “No To Corruption, Poverty And Collapse”

During the demonstration, a banner reading “No to corruption, poverty and collapse. We are the people” was displayed.

Turkish-Sen President Arslan Bıçaklı addressed the crowd, while Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS) President Ahmet Karaoğulları read a joint statement on behalf of the unions.

Arslan Bıçaklı: “If You Cannot Govern, You Will Leave”

Speaking at the protest site, Bıçaklı pointed to the number of police present and said there were more police officers than demonstrators, calling for calm and warning against provocation.

He argued that governments worldwide work for the welfare of their people, claiming that the situation in the TRNC was different and describing the country as being in a “state of crisis.”

Responding to claims that “the country was ruined by trade unions,” which he attributed to Transport and Public Works Minister Erhan Arıklı, Bıçaklı questioned when unions had ever governed the country.

Referring to state-owned enterprises such as Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Salamis Hotel, Mimoza Hotel and Saray Hotel, he argued that these were not closed by unions but by political authorities, and warned that Kıb-Tek and the Telecommunications Department could be next.

Addressing criticism regarding staffing at Kıb-Tek compared to AKSA, Bıçaklı claimed that while AKSA operates with around ten machines, Kıb-Tek’s power plant has 17 machines. He also rejected claims about excessive staffing, stating that Kıb-Tek employs fewer workers than required.

He accused the government of deliberately underinvesting in public institutions and allowing them to deteriorate, adding: “If the institution does not work, it is because you failed to run it. If you cannot run it, you will leave; someone who can will come. I am ready with my colleagues to make it work.”

“Privatisation Claims And Economic Criticism”

Bıçaklı also criticised privatisation policies, claiming that parts of the education system, half of Kıb-Tek, and the airport had been privatised.

He further argued that minimum wage earners were struggling below the poverty line, while some groups were receiving high monthly incomes “without working.”

Referring to Kıb-Tek workers, he stated that the institution had “eight martyrs,” warning politicians to be careful when speaking about employees.

He also called on minimum wage workers to “raise their heads” and reject exploitation.

Bıçaklı said unions would continue their struggle on issues including cost of living, minimum wage and privatisation, concluding: “You are here to serve this country. Either do your job or step aside.”