Akpinar: Transport Ministry Effectively Handed Over to Türk Telekom Under Current Protocol

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV during the programme Sabahın Haberleri, hosted by Canan Onurer, Akpinar said the project was important for the country’s digital future but criticised the way the process had been handled.

“The Democrat Party was excluded from the process”

Akpinar said that although the Fiber Optic Protocol is a significant project in terms of digital transformation, the Democrat Party had not been informed during either the committee stage or the drafting of the law. He stated that DP had been left outside the process and was forced to follow developments from the sidelines.

“Cevdet Yilmaz gave assurances that an additional protocol would be signed”

Akpinar stressed that additional protocols must be introduced to address shortcomings in the current agreement. He said that Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz had given assurances that supplementary protocols would be prepared in the interest of the Turkish Cypriot people.

He added that these assurances were the main reason why DP voted in favour of the protocol.

“With its current form, the Transport Ministry has been fully handed over to Türk Telekom”

Akpinar said that the aim of the additional protocol would be to ensure fair competition and to introduce changes based on the principles of digital sovereignty, national security, competition and transparency.

He warned that if the current protocol remains in force without amendments, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport would effectively become a subordinate institution of Türk Telekom. Describing this situation as unacceptable, Akpinar said the ministry appeared to have been “fully handed over” and that these problems must be corrected through supplementary agreements.

Criticism of government handling

Referring to recent strikes and protests, Akpinar said public reaction had grown due to gaps left in the process. He described the issue as a government responsibility and stressed that developments must be managed in a way that satisfies society and leaves no room for uncertainty.

Akpinar also said the prime minister should not act alone on such matters, noting that both National Unity Party (UBP) MPs and many other lawmakers were uncomfortable with how the process had unfolded.

Calling for a more transparent and accountable approach to governance, Akpinar concluded that it was unacceptable for such an important protocol to be prepared by individuals who lacked sufficient command of the subject matter.