Cyprus Issue Poll: 36.07% Willing To Cede Territory In Return For Political Equality

CMIRS carries out the survey on a quarterly basis, allowing comparisons over time and analysis of how current developments influence public attitudes.

36.07% Accept Ceding Territory In Exchange For Political Equality

According to the survey, 62.2% of respondents want an agreement to resolve the Cyprus issue. When asked about the substance of a possible settlement, 36.07% said they would find it acceptable to cede territory in return for political equality.

The proportion of those who would find living together again with Greek Cypriots acceptable was 53.31%, while 79.36% said they would find a bi-communal, bi-zonal federal solution acceptable.

68.74% Find The Continuation Of The Current Guarantee System Acceptable

The survey found that 68.74% of respondents consider the continuation of the existing guarantee system acceptable, while 54.91% said they would accept the establishment of a new international security mechanism.

Uncertainty surrounding the Cyprus issue was described as worrying by 91.79% of participants, while 88.38% said they were concerned about the suspension or failure of settlement negotiations. Some 70.35% expressed concern over Turkey’s increasing influence in the north of the island, and 84.37% said they were worried about the stance of international actors.

79.36% Find A Federal Solution Acceptable, While 52.71% Find It Worrying

The proportion of respondents who said they found a possible federal solution worrying stood at 52.71%, while 44.08% said the same about a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, 81.17% said they would find it worrying if the status quo were to continue unchanged for many years. Concern over the possibility of increased future isolation and restrictions reached 87.17%. The slowdown of economic development due to the Cyprus issue was seen as worrying by 84.38%, while 77.76% were concerned about the risk of renewed tension or conflict on the island. Some 73.95% expressed concern over energy and military developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Greek Cypriot Energy And Security Agreements Cause Concern For 74.95%

Recent energy and security agreements signed by the Greek Cypriot side were found to be a source of concern by 74.95% of respondents.

A significant portion of participants view the Cyprus issue as the main source of economic uncertainty, the primary cause of international isolation, a driver of political instability and a contributor to lawlessness. The unresolved nature of the problem was directly linked to a lack of investment, restrictions on international trade, young people planning their futures abroad, as well as corruption and legal uncertainty.

The CMIRS survey shows that Turkish Cypriots continue to support a settlement, but also reveals persistently high levels of economic, political and security-related concern, underlining the direct impact of the Cyprus issue on daily life and future planning.