Turkish Cypriot government postpones debate on cost-of-living allowance changes

Turkish Cypriot leader Unal Ustel announced that the legislature will not debate planned changes to public sector cost-of-living allowances in the coming week. The postponement follows a recent general strike, mass protests, and an overnight parliamentary session that ended abruptly at 4am last Thursday. Ustel stated the delay aims to reduce social tension, though he denied it was a direct result of political pressure. Internal friction has emerged within the coalition, with DP secretary-general Serhat Akpinar criticizing Ustel for a lack of transparency and failing to consult coalition partners. Akpinar confirmed he was not informed of the decision before it reached the media, characterizing the move as a breach of institutional conduct. The governing coalition currently holds 29 of the 49 legislative seats, requiring 26 votes to pass legislation. Former chief legal advisor Ayse Ipciler noted that the government's procedural handling of the bill has drawn further criticism. The debate, initially set for Monday, remains suspended as the government faces mounting pressure from both the public and its junior coalition partner.