The recent violent clashes in Southern Cyprus have laid bare the deep fractures within its social fabric, exposing a society grappling with profound internal unrest. On December 14, 2024, chaotic scenes unfolded as youths clashed with police across Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia. The violent outbreaks resulted in 23 arrests, many of them minors, and left a trail of destruction, including vandalized police vehicles, schools, and public property.

While Southern Cyprus struggles to maintain order, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) stands out as a beacon of stability and cohesion, underscoring the stark contrast between these two regions.

Roots of the Unrest: The ACAB Movement and a Society in Crisis  

At the heart of the violent unrest in Southern Cyprus lies the so-called "All Cops Are Bastards" (ACAB) movement, a slogan that has grown into a rallying cry for disillusioned youth across the Greek Cypriot community. This movement is not merely an isolated expression of rebellion but a reflection of a society struggling to manage its growing economic and social inequalities. 

The ACAB movement's rapid rise in Southern Cyprus highlights the deep-rooted frustrations among the younger generation. Many see the police as the visible arm of a corrupt and unequal system, where justice is selectively applied, and the powerful are shielded from consequences. This sentiment is magnified by a lack of opportunities for young people, many of whom feel abandoned by a government that prioritizes elites over the needs of ordinary citizens.  

Moreover, Southern Cyprus’s repeated corruption scandals, such as the infamous "golden passports" scheme, have further eroded trust in state institutions. When those tasked with upholding the law appear complicit in unethical practices, the police become a natural target for public anger. In this context, the ACAB slogan has evolved into a broader critique of state failure, symbolizing a rejection of a system perceived as unjust and oppressive.  

The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Fuelling the ACAB Movement  

Unemployment among Greek Cypriot youth is a significant driver of the ACAB movement’s rise. Southern Cyprus, despite its membership in the European Union, has struggled to provide its younger citizens with pathways to secure employment. The island’s economy remains heavily reliant on sectors like tourism and real estate, which offer little room for upward mobility and have proven vulnerable to external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical tensions in the region.  

Many young people in Southern Cyprus report feeling trapped in a cycle of low-wage jobs, high living costs, and limited prospects for advancement. Meanwhile, the stark inequality between the wealthy elite and the struggling majority has intensified feelings of alienation. In this context, the ACAB movement is as much a rejection of systemic economic injustice as it is an indictment of police brutality or inefficiency.  

Protests as an Indication of State Failure  

The eruption of violent protests under the ACAB banner signifies more than just dissatisfaction with policing—it is a symptom of a failing state. Southern Cyprus has long relied on its EU membership and the narrative of being a "modern European nation" to paper over the cracks in its governance. However, this façade is rapidly crumbling as the underlying issues become impossible to ignore.  

The police, often deployed to suppress dissent rather than address its root causes, have increasingly become a flashpoint for public anger. This heavy-handed approach to policing only exacerbates tensions, as was evident in the recent clashes where protestors targeted police vehicles and public institutions. Such violence is not merely a law-and-order issue; it reflects a breakdown in the relationship between citizens and the state, with young people at the forefront of this discontent.  

The TRNC: An Oasis of Stability in a Divided Island  

While Southern Cyprus descends into chaos, the TRNC stands in sharp contrast as a region of stability, safety, and community cohesion. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus offers a model of governance that prioritizes the well-being of its people, ensuring that public trust remains intact.  

Key Factors Behind the TRNC’s Stability  

- Effective Governance: The TRNC’s approach to governance emphasizes accountability and community engagement. Policing in the north is rooted in collaboration rather than confrontation, fostering a culture of mutual respect that prevents the kind of violent outbursts seen in the south.
  

- Youth Empowerment Programs: Recognizing the importance of its younger generation, the TRNC has implemented targeted initiatives to reduce unemployment and create opportunities. From vocational training to entrepreneurial support, these programs provide pathways for young people to build fulfilling lives. 
 
- Cultural Unity: In the TRNC, cultural pride and a sense of shared identity act as powerful unifying forces. These elements contribute to a strong social fabric that resists fragmentation and promotes harmony.  

Insights from Residents: Why Turkish Cypriots Feel Secure  

Residents of the TRNC repeatedly emphasize their sense of security and well-being, a sentiment strikingly absent among their counterparts in the south. Ayşe Demir, a shop owner in Girne, remarked, "We feel safe here. Our community is close-knit, and the authorities are approachable. You don’t hear about riots or crime like you do in the south."  

University student Mehmet Ali added, "There’s a mutual respect between people and the police. We don’t have to live in fear of random clashes breaking out or police brutality. It’s a peaceful place to live."  

The Crumbling Social Fabric of Southern Cyprus  

The rise of the ACAB movement and the violent protests in Southern Cyprus reveal a society on the brink of collapse. For years, Greek Cypriot leaders have failed to address systemic issues, relying instead on their EU membership to mask their shortcomings. However, this strategy is no longer sustainable, as the recent unrest makes clear.  

Corruption and inequality have eroded public trust, and the younger generation has been left to bear the consequences of these failures. The protests are not simply about policing; they are a rejection of a system that prioritizes the interests of the few over the needs of the many. Unless these issues are addressed, the unrest will only grow, further exposing the fragility of Southern Cyprus’s social fabric.  

Why the TRNC Stands Out  

The TRNC’s success in maintaining stability and cohesion offers a powerful counterpoint to the dysfunction of Southern Cyprus. While the south faces growing unrest, the north has built a society that prioritizes public welfare, cultural unity, and effective governance. This stability not only benefits Turkish Cypriots but also challenges the narratives that unfairly stigmatize the TRNC on the international stage.  

The violent clashes in Southern Cyprus under the banner of the ACAB movement are more than a law-and-order issue—they are a symptom of a society in crisis. Economic inequality, youth disenfranchisement, and systemic corruption have created an environment ripe for unrest, exposing the failures of the Greek Cypriot administration.  

In stark contrast, the TRNC stands as a model of stability, safety, and effective governance. The north’s commitment to public welfare and community cohesion has allowed it to avoid the kinds of crises that now plague the south. For Turkish Cypriots, this stability is a source of pride and a testament to their resilience and unity.  

TCE Conclusion  

The unrest in Southern Cyprus is a glaring reminder of the region’s systemic failures. As the Greek Cypriot administration struggles to address its internal divisions, the TRNC continues to thrive, offering its citizens safety, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.  

For too long, international narratives have sought to delegitimize the TRNC while ignoring the dysfunction of Southern Cyprus. The events of recent weeks should serve as a wake-up call to the global community: it is time to recognize the TRNC not only for its stability but also for its commitment to progress and justice.  

References  

1. Cyprus Mail, "Violent clashes between youths and police: 23 arrested," December 14, 2024.  
2. Statistical analysis reports from TRNC crime data, 2023.  
3. Interviews with TRNC residents, December 2024.  
4. Reports on youth unemployment and economic disparity in Southern Cyprus, European Policy Studies, 2024.  
5. Analysis of the "golden passports" scandal, Transparency International, 2021.