Labor protests erupt in northern Cyprus over cost-of-living adjustments

Widespread labor strikes and protests have erupted in northern Cyprus due to government plans to defer cost-of-living adjustments (ATA) to July 2026 and January 2027. Demonstrators breached the parliament building on April 7, 2026, leading to scuffles, injuries, and fainting spells during a session presided over by Ziya Ozturkler. The government had previously issued decrees banning strikes in healthcare and customs, but later withdrew some of these measures under intense pressure. While unions suspended public sector strikes until the next parliamentary meeting, groups such as EL-SEN, BES, and Dev-Is continue their actions. Unions are demanding the withdrawal of the draft law, the revocation of all anti-strike decrees, and the announcement of early parliamentary elections. Tufan Erhurman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party, has been mediating between the government and labor representatives to find a resolution. The administration cited economic difficulties linked to regional instability in the Middle East as the reason for the proposed payment delays.