Public sector unions in the Turkish Cypriot community continued their general strike in occupied Cyprus on Tuesday, protesting government measures on automatic cost-of-living adjustments (ATA). Demonstrations outside the parliament escalated into clashes with security forces.
Protesters confront security measures
From early morning, hundreds of citizens gathered outside the parliament after unions announced the continuation of the strike. Authorities increased security, setting up barricades and deploying fire trucks. Tensions escalated when protesters tried to remove barricades, emptied water from fire trucks, and attempted to overturn them, resulting in scuffles with the police.
At one point, a group of demonstrators breached the rear barricades and entered the parliamentary premises, intensifying the confrontation. During the unrest, El-Sen union president Ahmet Tugcu was arrested.
Leadership engagement amid protests
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman visited the site, where protesters welcomed him with chants of “unity, struggle, solidarity.” Demonstrators entered the parliament building demanding “government resign.”
Union representatives later moved towards the presidential office to meet with Erhürman, aiming to initiate dialogue and de-escalate tensions.
Also read: Audit exposes major flaws in Cyprus social welfare
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