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An opposition politician in occupied Cyprus has warned that children in schools across the areas are fainting from hunger, underscoring growing concerns over the deepening economic crisis and rising cost of living in the region.
“There are children fainting at school from hunger,” said Cansu N. Nazlı, a member of the left-wing Independence Path party, according to the online outlet Özgür Gazete Kıbrıs. She described the situation as “dystopian” and called for an urgent government response to address worsening child poverty.
Ms. Nazlı urged the authorities to introduce a free meal program for all students, saying that “access to healthy nutrition is a fundamental right of every child and a duty of the authorities.” She called for coordination between the “ministry of education,” the “social services department,” and local municipalities to ensure that no child attends school hungry.
The politician also proposed ending financial incentives for private schools and reallocating those funds to support students in public education. “Ensuring safe and healthy food for children is the state’s responsibility,” she said.
The remarks reflect mounting frustration among opposition figures and civil society groups in occupied Cyprus, where inflation and stagnating wages have eroded purchasing power. The self-declared "turkish republic of northern cyprus", recognized only by Turkey, has faced sustained economic hardship, compounded by its international isolation and dependence on Ankara’s financial support.
Reports of growing food insecurity, particularly among families with school-age children, have prompted renewed debate over social welfare and education policy in the territory.
With information form CNA.
