CMIRS Survey: 94.58 Per Cent Of Turkish Cypriots Find Corruption In The Country Worrying

CMIRS released the December 2025 results of its regular research measuring political trust, social trust, individual self-confidence and perceptions of happiness among Turkish Cypriots. Conducted every three months, the latest phase of the study was carried out through face-to-face interviews with 500 people.

94.58 Per Cent Of Respondents Find Corruption In Governance Worrying

The findings indicate that concerns about the future are extremely high across society. According to the survey, 94.58 per cent of respondents said they find corruption in the country’s governance worrying, while 93.39 per cent expressed concern about the future of the Turkish Cypriot community’s cultural identity.

Economic and social uncertainties also featured prominently. Some 83.97 per cent of participants said they find the possibility of a decline in living standards over the next ten years worrying, while 82.16 per cent reported concerns about job insecurity and potential income loss. The proportion of those who find uncertainties regarding their own health and that of their families worrying stood at 85.78 per cent.

Concerns related to social cohesion and politics were also striking. The proportion of respondents worried about increasing social polarisation and a decline in solidarity was measured at 88.18 per cent, while 84.57 per cent found government instability and political polarisation worrying. Meanwhile, 78.75 per cent said they are concerned about being unable to express their views or having no influence, and 79.15 per cent reported anxiety over limited participation in political and social decision-making processes.

87.58 Per Cent Find Emigration Of Young People And Skilled Labour Worrying

High levels of concern were also recorded in relation to migration and external relations. The emigration of young people and skilled labour was found worrying by 87.58 per cent of respondents, while 87.17 per cent expressed concern over the lack of international recognition and diplomatic isolation of the TRNC. Possible tensions or conflicts in relations with Turkey were considered worrying by 73.54 per cent.

Security, environmental risks and misinformation were also among the key areas of concern. The proportion of those worried about internal security stood at 85.17 per cent, while 79.55 per cent reported concern over environmental risks such as climate change, drought and energy crises. Some 80.77 per cent said they are worried about making wrong decisions due to misinformation spread on social media, and 74.54 per cent expressed concern about the potential of the media to manipulate political and social perceptions.

CMIRS said the aim of these regular studies is to monitor the social mood of Turkish Cypriots over time, to examine how concerns across different areas are interconnected, and to assess how they are affected by political, economic and social developments.