Public sector protesters breach legislative building in northern Cyprus

On Tuesday, public sector unions in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus continued a general strike to protest the government's decision to freeze cost-of-living allowances. Thousands of demonstrators marched on the legislature in the northern sector of Ayios Dhometios, breaking through police barricades and fire fences. Protesters eventually entered the building through fire exits, demanding the resignation of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Unal Ustel. Clashes occurred throughout the day, resulting in reports of minor injuries and the arrest of El-Sen union president Ahmet Tugcu. Police deployed fire trucks and pepper spray, while some demonstrators threw objects at security forces. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman visited the scene, where he met with union representatives to discuss potential negotiations. The government had previously offered a draft bill to address the allowance issue, but union leaders rejected the proposal as insufficient. Negotiations between union representatives and the leadership continued at the presidential residence following the breach.