“Anti-government” protests in the occupied north are gaining momentum

Animal producers in the occupied north entered their eighth day of protests on Monday, joined by a growing chorus of trade unions, civil society organizations and political parties, Turkish Cypriot media reported.

The movement gained momentum despite a last-minute government decree postponing a planned 24-hour strike by the Air Traffic Controllers Association, citing national security concerns.

Frustration mounted as Mustafa Naimoğulları, president of the Association of Animal Producers and Breeders, sharply criticized the government’s decision to import frozen meat as irrelevant to their basic need: affordable domestic meat.

Meanwhile, protests in front of the “prime minister” intensified. Labor leaders such as Güven Bengihan of the Association of Turkish Cypriot Public Officials (KTAMS) and Ahmet Serdaroğlu of the Union of Public Employees (Kamu-İş) accused the administration of the occupied north of neglecting the needs of the people and prioritizing special interests.

Chants of “Government resign” erupted from the crowd, highlighting the growing tension.

Bengihan and Serdaroğlu, along with other trade union representatives, emphasized their presence not only to support animal producers, but also for the future of the “country” itself. They condemned mismanagement and threats to their culture and identity.

Looking beyond the initial demand for cheaper meat, union officials pointed out that government policies were creating business opportunities for a privileged few rather than supporting domestic producers and the broader economy.

The combined forces of animal producers, trade unions and civil society organizations marched under the “prime minister” with their banners and slogans demanding change.

(Based on information from Kibris Postasi and Yeni Duzen. Photo from Kibris Postasi)