Erhürman: “We Will Represent and Protect the Will of the Turkish Cypriot People"

Speaking on Kanal Sim, Erhürman responded to recent tensions and controversial remarks from Turkey’s Presidential Advisor. “We need no validation. We define our own identity,” he said, underlining that sovereignty must not be one-sided.

Touching on recent turmoil in the education system, Erhürman criticized the government’s abrupt regulatory changes made mid-year. “This entire issue began with a few students’ or families’ requests, but turned into a manufactured crisis,” he noted, saying authorities should have addressed the matter through dialogue instead of rushing through decrees.

Referring to derogatory remarks targeting Turkish Cypriots, Erhürman said, “No one has the right to insult this community. Some now dare to speak this way only because of the vacuum left by lack of political will.” He added, “Who are you to question my identity? I don’t ask you if you’re Turkish enough or Muslim enough.”

Erhürman stressed that his presidential vision rests on restoring confidence and sovereignty to the people. “I promise this society ownership of its own will. I promise unity. Turkish Cypriots view the people of Turkey as brothers. Our relationship must be based on equality—not dominance.”