Desperation in Action—How CTP's Childish Tactics Are Revealing Their True Allegiances and Weakening Public Trust

In a recent scandal within the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) parliament, the opposition party Cumhuriyetçi Türk Partisi (CTP) has once again demonstrated its willingness to undermine parliamentary decorum and the will of the Turkish Cypriot people. The spectacle began with an extraordinary outburst by CTP Member of Parliament Doğuş Derya, whose behaviour has not only embarrassed herself but also exposed the deep-seated disdain within CTP for the pro-sovereignty stance of the ruling Ulusal Birlik Partisi (UBP). This incident marks a new low for CTP, whose desperation to cling to relevance is increasingly evident.

A Shocking Outburst in Parliament

The scandal erupted when Doğuş Derya threw water at Ziya Öztürkler, the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, in a parliamentary session. Video footage captures Derya throwing water and even a plastic bottle at Öztürkler in a crude display of protest. This unruly behaviour, which Derya later claimed was an attempt to “get his attention,” was widely seen as both childish and disrespectful, sparking widespread public outrage.

Derya’s excuse for this unprovoked assault falls flat. Her actions were not just a breach of parliamentary decorum—they were a blatant display of the opposition’s inability to engage in constructive debate. This kind of behaviour has no place in the TRNC’s governing institutions and reveals the growing desperation within the CTP to destabilize a government dedicated to Turkish Cypriot self-determination.

Baseless Allegations and “Double Vote” Accusations

Following Derya’s outburst, the CTP attempted to amplify the scandal by questioning the validity of the vote that elected Ziya Öztürkler as Speaker. The CTP has latched onto a trivial detail—a ballot containing a double stamp within the “accept” box—and used it as the basis for claiming that the vote is invalid. Although both stamps were clearly within the same box, indicating a likely attempt to clarify the original mark, CTP insists that this constitutes a “double vote.”

Parliamentary rules specify that a valid vote is marked in one of the designated squares on the ballot. CTP’s insistence on discrediting the vote over a simple clarification is a clear example of their penchant for clutching at straws. Rather than respecting the people’s will, CTP continues to search for loopholes to obstruct the ruling party’s mandate.

Erhan Arıklı’s Defiant Challenge to Tufan Erhürman

In response to this manufactured scandal, Erhan Arıklı, Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Yeni Doğuş Party, took an extraordinary step. In a bold show of confidence, Arıklı submitted his own resignation letter and publicly challenged CTP leader Tufan Erhürman to do the same. “Let 19 MPs resign; I will be the 20th,” Arıklı declared, calling Erhürman’s bluff and highlighting CTP’s lack of resolve.

Arıklı’s challenge has exposed the weakness of the CTP leadership. While he stands ready to test the people’s trust through re-elections, Erhürman has remained silent, unwilling to take up the challenge. This refusal reveals a party that prefers backroom schemes and destabilization tactics over genuine democratic accountability.

Growing Public Outcry Against Doğuş Derya

The Turkish Cypriot public has responded with indignation to Derya’s antics. Her actions have sparked a wave of outrage, with citizens taking to the streets to demand her resignation. Turkish Cypriots see Derya’s actions as emblematic of CTP’s disregard for their aspirations for independence and alignment with Türkiye.

Derya’s outburst is seen not as an isolated incident, but as part of a broader pattern of contempt within the CTP for the TRNC’s sovereign direction. Her behaviour underscores her party’s obsession with undermining the ruling UBP rather than focusing on constructive contributions.

A Pro-Greek Agenda Laid Bare

Doğuş Derya’s questionable loyalties have not gone unnoticed. Her repeated absences from meetings with visiting dignitaries from Türkiye, coupled with her attendance at events in South Cyprus with Greek officials, reveal a troubling alignment with pro-Greek interests. Derya’s actions speak louder than words: she has shown little interest in fostering strong relations with Türkiye but has been quick to engage with Greek leaders.

The Turkish Cypriot people have grown weary of this blatant pro-Greek, pro-unification agenda that ignores their demand for sovereignty and a two-state solution. While the ruling UBP and Türkiye advocate for Turkish Cypriot rights on the international stage, CTP continues to pander to interests that seek to undermine those goals.

Türkiye’s Push for Recognition and CTP’s Fading Influence

The timing of these events is no coincidence. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent push at the United Nations for TRNC’s recognition as an independent state has galvanized support among Turkish Cypriots for a two-state solution. As Türkiye elevates its efforts for TRNC recognition, the CTP’s desperation becomes palpable.

Rather than supporting these diplomatic strides, the CTP has chosen to focus on petty political maneuvers aimed at discrediting the ruling party. Their tactics are not only obstructive but ultimately self-defeating, alienating an electorate that increasingly demands leaders who champion sovereignty and Turkish Cypriot rights.

TCE Conclusion: A Party in Decline, Exposed by its Own Desperation

The actions of the CTP, from Doğuş Derya’s unprofessional behaviour to their baseless attempts to discredit a legitimate vote, reflect a party in disarray. Their tactics are seen by the Turkish Cypriot public as not just petty, but symptomatic of a deeper allegiance to pro-Greek, federalist interests.

Erhan Arıklı’s challenge to Tufan Erhürman has exposed the opposition’s lack of courage and conviction. The Turkish Cypriot people are calling for leaders who respect democratic processes, uphold parliamentary integrity, and align with Türkiye’s vision for a sovereign TRNC. The public outcry against figures like Doğuş Derya serves as a clear message: Turkish Cypriots will not tolerate actions that undermine their sovereignty and stability.

As CTP clings to outdated ideologies and divisive rhetoric, they risk losing all relevance in a future that belongs to a strong, independent Turkish Cypriot state.

 References:
- Kıbrıs Gerçek: Coverage on Erhan Arıklı’s challenge and resignation call.
- TRNC Parliamentary Rules: Parliamentary voting regulations as defined in Article 154.
- Video Footage: Parliamentary session recording showing Doğuş Derya’s actions.
- UN General Assembly 2023: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s statements supporting a two-state solution for Cyprus.