11.12.2025 11:15
Ersin Tatar, in a statement following his election defeat, said that the video published by Cübbeli Ahmet in his favor reduced his votes by approximately 5 percent. Tatar argued that Erhürman's promise of an EU passport was unrealistic, while he commented on Bahçeli's statement about "the 82nd province" by saying, "If there is to be an EU province, let it be a Turkish province."
The 5th President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, spoke to T24 during his visit to Turkey following his election defeat. Tatar evaluated the heavy defeat he faced against the Republican Turkish Party candidate Tufan Erhürman, stating that the events during the campaign had an impact on the votes.
"HIS STATEMENT COST ME 5% OF VOTES"
Pointing out that the video released by Cübbeli Ahmet in his favor just before the election had a negative effect, Tatar said, "Cübbeli Ahmet's video reached all Cypriots' phones in the last week before the election. His statement cost me 5% of votes. Thank you very much… This people do not fall for such things," he expressed.
"THE PROMISE OF EU PASSPORT WILL NOT BECOME A REALITY"
Evaluating Erhürman's campaign promise of "Greek/EU passport," Tatar argued that such a statement was not possible due to his position, asserting that although this promise may seem attractive, it would not turn into reality. Tatar also stated that his strong relations with Ankara naturally reflected in the election, saying, "I have tremendous relationships in every region of Turkey."
"THE CYPRIOT TURK WILL NOT ACCEPT BEING GUIDED BY OTHERS"
Describing the Turkish Cypriot people as "a free people that do not accept being guided," Tatar mentioned that some activities of foreign representatives and associations during the election process were also influential, but their sources were not clear.
COMMENT ON BAHÇELI'S "82ND PROVINCE" REMARKS
Evaluating MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's statement, "Let the TRNC be the 82nd province of Turkey," Tatar argued that if the federation thesis wins, the island would turn into a province of the EU, stating that Bahçeli's remarks meant "let it be a Turkish province." Tatar also criticized those who seek a federal solution, saying, "The future of the Turkish Cypriot people can only be secured on the basis of sovereign equality."
WHAT DID CÜBBELİ AHMET SAY?
In a conversation before the TRNC elections, Cübbeli Ahmet had said: "We need to pray for Mr. Ersin Tatar. The Cyprus elections are very important. Ersin Tatar must win. Cyprus is important for the survival of Turkey, and it is important for Gaza."