CMIRS Survey: 91.6% Say Country Is Heading in the Wrong Direction

The Centre for Migration, Identity and Rights Studies (CMIRS) has released the second part of its quarterly public opinion survey for June 2026. Conducted through face-to-face interviews with 500 participants, the survey indicates that Turkish Cypriots continue to hold a negative view of the country's direction and are increasingly concerned about the economy, despite notable improvements in happiness and social trust indicators.

CMIRS Director Mine Yücel said the ongoing economic crisis, high inflation, political instability and uncertainty surrounding the Cyprus issue continue to weigh heavily on public expectations for the future.

According to the survey, 91.6% of respondents believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, while only 8.4% think it is on the right track.

The figures are consistent with CMIRS' long-term research, which has shown that around 90% of respondents have believed the country is heading in the wrong direction in recent years.

Economy Remains the Top Concern

Respondents identified economic issues as the country's most pressing problem.

The survey ranked the country's main concerns as follows:

• Economic problems
• The Cyprus issue
• The healthcare system
• Corruption
• Infrastructure, particularly electricity
• Ineffective political leadership

Rising Prices and Inflation

CMIRS noted that healthcare has climbed higher on the list of public concerns compared with previous surveys, while corruption and political leadership continue to reflect widespread dissatisfaction with governance.

Pessimism Over the Future

According to the survey, 56% of respondents believe their personal financial situation will worsen over the next two years.

Meanwhile, 31.6% expect their finances to remain unchanged, while only 12.4% believe their economic situation will improve.

Expectations for the national economy are even more pessimistic.

Some 67.6% believe the country's economy will deteriorate over the next two years, 25.4% expect no change, and only 7% believe it will improve.

Concerns Over Living Standards

The survey also highlighted the impact of economic concerns on daily life.

Among respondents:

• 80% are worried they will be unable to maintain their current standard of living.
• 67.2% fear they will not be able to afford healthcare expenses.
• 61.8% are concerned about repaying debts and loan instalments.
• 57.4% worry they may struggle to cover household food expenses.

CMIRS said the findings show that economic concerns extend beyond current income levels, with expectations of declining living standards becoming widespread across society.

Happiness Index Rises

One of the survey's most notable findings was the increase in the happiness index.

In June 2026, the average happiness score reached 6.72 out of 10, up from 5.95 in March 2026, marking one of the highest levels recorded in recent years.

CMIRS said the increase suggests that personal life satisfaction may be partially detached from negative perceptions of the country's overall direction and economic outlook.

Social Trust Improves but Remains Low

The survey also recorded an increase in the social trust index.

In June 2026, social trust was measured at 4.38 out of 10. Although this represents one of the highest scores in recent years, it remains below the midpoint.

CMIRS said interpersonal trust has yet to reach a satisfactory level and stressed the need for further progress in democratic participation, social cohesion and institutional confidence.

Livability Score Declines

The country's livability score fell to 5.59 out of 10 in June 2026, down from 6.02 recorded in March, although it remains close to long-term averages.

The survey noted that perceptions of livability are closely linked to economic expectations and satisfaction with public services, with economic difficulties and infrastructure shortcomings continuing to have a negative impact.

Yücel: Pessimism Persists

Commenting on the findings, Mine Yücel said public pessimism regarding the country's economic and political future remains strong.

At the same time, she noted modest improvements in happiness and social trust indicators, suggesting that individuals may be developing coping mechanisms despite ongoing structural challenges.

The survey concluded that Turkish Cypriots' primary expectations are economic stability, more effective public administration, tangible progress in combating corruption and the restoration of confidence in the future. It added that, alongside economic policies, reforms aimed at strengthening institutional trust will play a decisive role in the period ahead.