Turkish Cypriots alarmed by rise in Turkish interference

In a recent opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Migration, Identity, and Rights’ Studies (CMIRS) in northern Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots have expressed escalating unease regarding Turkey's growing involvement in the political, economic, and religious aspects of the breakaway northern Cyprus region, which remains under Turkey's control.

As reported by Philenews, this survey, the results of which were published in the Turkish Cypriot Halkin Sesi newspaper, underscores a deepening sense of dissatisfaction and pessimism within the local population.

The survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews with 500 adult participants, paints a vivid picture of Turkish Cypriots' apprehensions. An overwhelming 90.3% of respondents believe that the situation in the territories occupied since Turkey's 1974 invasion is moving in an unfavorable direction.

Economic concerns stand at the forefront of Turkish Cypriots' worries, with the Cyprus problem, perceived political inefficacy, inflation, unemployment, and corruption ranking high on their list of concerns.

Notably, an astonishing 82.76% of respondents share the view that Turkey's interference in the internal affairs of the 'trnc' has noticeably increased in recent years, while only 7.13% disagreed with this assessment. Comparatively, the belief that Turkey's involvement was on the rise in 2016 stood at 56.36%.

These findings highlight a growing sense of unrest among Turkish Cypriots as they grapple with the implications of heightened Turkish influence in their region. It remains to be seen how these concerns will impact the political and social landscape of northern Cyprus in the future.

[With information sourced from Philenews]