The Truth Behind the CTP–AKEL–EU Axis: A Call to Defend the TRNC

TCE Exposé

While many in Brussels and Nicosia sing of unity, a dangerous illusion takes root inside the TRNC. A recent piece entitled “Turkish Cypriot federalists court Greek Cypriot partners” applauds growing ties between the CTP and Greek Cypriot party AKEL, stating:

“CTP leaders have forged deep collaborative ties with AKEL and EU officials—blurring community lines and undermining TRNC sovereignty.”

On the surface, such coordination might seem benign. But beneath the euphemisms of 'federation' and 'reconciliation' lies a bitter truth: CTP has become the conduit through which foreign interests seek to dismantle the TRNC from within. Funded by EU incentives and legitimized by Greek Cypriot partnerships, CTP’s ambitions no longer reflect the will of the Turkish Cypriot people, they reflect a vision handed down from Brussels and the Greek side.

This exposé challenges the very foundation of their agenda, laying bare the motives, the mechanics, and the consequences of the CTP–AKEL–EU axis. From ideological betrayal to the weaponization of embargoes, we expose how the federalist path isn’t one of peace, it’s a blueprint for the silent dissolution of the TRNC.

This framing, lurking behind rhymes of cooperation, instead exposes a grave betrayal: a well-funded, crafted narrative by CTP designed to dissolve our independence. Where many perceive unity, the TRNC community must recognize that federalism is a Trojan horse, one that stealthily erodes our two-state identity.

Political Alliances: CTP’s Cozy Relationship with AKEL

Recently, youth delegations from the CTP and AKEL appeared jointly at events supporting a bizonal, bicommunal federation. The Cyprus Mail confirmed that “a delegation from Turkish Cypriot political party the CTP’s youth wing” joined an AKEL excursion with the slogan “integration” and “political equality” as their rallying cry.

To the uninitiated, this may sound harmless. But to Turkish Cypriots, it is a red flag. These unity rallies are orchestrated platforms designed to reinforce the federalist narrative not to heal us, but to overshadow our independent identity.

Tufan Erhürman Endorsing Federalism

Despite the fact that Türkiye has now rejected federalism is no longer a 'solution' for Cyprus, the CTP party leader passionatly advocates for a federal solution.

Financial Leverage: EU Funding as a Political Tool

The EU has allocated €39.5 million in 2024 alone for Turkish Cypriot community projects, rising to an annual aid distribution of around €31–39 million While civil society benefits, the influx of funds serves as a rope that ties CTP’s loyalties to the EU.

The problem? Despite these funds, restrictions on trade, travel, and sports remain a testament to their ineffectiveness. The European Court of Justice blocked TRNC food exports in 1994, continuing to cite “embargoes” years later CTP’s failure to convert EU funding into tangible freedoms betrays either incompetence or complicity.

Federalism: A Threat to Sovereignty

CTP maintains federalism is a renewed answer; yet Greek Cypriots and Brussels insist on removing Turkish troops from Northern Cyprus as a condition. These troops defended Turkish Cypriots from the horrors of the 1960s, and the removal would leave us vulnerable. History speaks:

“In 1963, extremist violence against Turkish Cypriots relegated us to enclaves… the Republic’s collapse was sealed, forcing reliance on Türkiye’s intervention for survival.”

These facts are not revisions, they are our warnings against dependency masquerading as progress. To dismantle our security is to dismantle the TRNC itself.

Economic Hardship: A Result of Embargoes, Not Governance

CTP faults the current UBP–DP–YDP coalition for economic woes. But let us recall:

• No direct flights into Ercan Airport

• No direct trade via ports

• No international sports representation

• No UN or EU membership rights

These are not policies of the UBP bloc, they are Greek-enforced isolation tactics. Even after the 2004 Annan Plan referendum, Greek Cypriot vetoes blocked promised economic openings. CTP’s narrative conveniently omits these truths to avoid blaming the real culprits of our stagnation.

Two-State Solution: A Strategic Path Forward

In stark contrast, The President and the UBP–DP–YDP coalition demand a two-state solution rooted in equal sovereignty. Speaking to Times Radio, The President clarified that only two equal states within the EU can ensure protection and prosperity:

“We support a two-state solution within the EU… where there would be two States in Cyprus cooperating within Europe”  President Ersin Tatar

He, along with Türkiye's President Erdoğan, has stated that any federation is defunct; the only genuine path is “sovereign equality and equal international status” for the TRNC

Erdoğan’s Backing: Affirming Sovereignty, Not Assimilation

During a May 2025 visit, President Erdoğan reaffirmed support for a two-state Cyprus and expressed deep solidarity with TRNC identity:

“Those who try… to sow seeds of hatred… will not be successful.” RTE President of the Republic of Türkiye

He emphasized that any robust negotiation must be between “two sovereign states” not a diluted federation. Far from enforcing compliance, this is a shield for our autonomy.

TCE Conclusion: The Path We Must Choose

• CTP, through its alliances with AKEL and the EU, consistently pushes for a federal structure that runs contrary to Turkish Cypriot self-determination.

• Economic hardship stems not from domestic policy but from externally imposed embargoes championed by Greek Cypriot and international actors.

• Federalism threatens our very survival—it requires withdrawal of the Turkish guarantor and dissolves our hard-earned sovereignty.

• Two-state sovereignty within the EU, supported by The President and Türkiye, offers a clear path forward: equality, security, and prosperity under the TRNC banner.

It is time to confront the Trojan horse—and reject its whispers of unity that would swallow our nation whole. In the forthcoming election, let’s restore power to the coalition that stands firm for our future. Vote for TRNC, vote for sovereignty, vote for the republic we fought to build.