19.10.2025 23:20
The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, made his first statement following the presidential election, in which Tufan Erhürman was declared the winner according to unofficial results. He said, "We must respect the voters' decision; the voters have made their choice." When asked about what he would do next, Tatar replied, "I need a little rest; I will consider what comes next."
```html
Current President Ersin Tatar, who lost the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by receiving 35.81% of the votes, made his first evaluations after the election results were announced.
"THE VOTERS HAVE MADE THEIR DECISION"
Tatar congratulated the winner Tufan Erhürman, stating, "We must respect the voters' decision. The voters have made their decision." Reminding that he participated in the presidential election as an independent candidate with the support of three parties, Tatar said, "There is a problem with the results. Yes, three parties worked, but is the vote rate of the three parties really this low? Of course not, it is higher. This indicates that there are some issues both between the parties and within the party. These also reflected in the results," he said.
"MAYBE THERE WILL BE SOME REVISIONS IN POLITICS"
Stating that he has been working tirelessly during his 5-year term in the presidency, Tatar noted that he has introduced a new political approach, led various projects to open up the country, and produced works. He also mentioned that the relationships established with Turkey are evident. Pointing out that Cyprus has its own problems, Tatar said, "The attacks from the Greek side, property issues, and many anxieties. There is a lot to say. I think all these led the voters to this direction. Hopefully, these election results will be evaluated, and perhaps there will be some revisions in politics, leading to new political differences in the new term for the welfare, freedom, and happiness of the Turkish Cypriot people. The important thing is the happiness and welfare of the people. No one should hold these positions just for the sake of sitting in them," he said.
RESPONSE TO THE CRITICISM OF "NOT EVEN OPENING A GATE"
Tatar expressed that he suggested opening a border gate to Haspolat and Akıncılar, but the propaganda was made in a way that "not even a gate was opened." He stated that the Greek side created queues at Metehan and that citizens are trying to hold him responsible for this.
"HOPE WAS PUMPED FROM THE SOUTH"
Tatar mentioned that campaigns were conducted in the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) saying, "Tatar will go, Erhürman will come. A negotiation table will be established, and there will be hope for Hristodulidis," and that some support also came, stating, "Hope pumping. The people expect hope," he said.
"WE HAVE DEVELOPED OUR RELATIONS WITH TURKEY AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL"
Stating that he has been trying to keep the structure intact despite the pandemic, earthquakes, wars, and all kinds of disasters, Tatar mentioned that there are diplomatic efforts, but they are not enough, and everyone expects more. He also noted that there are some discomforts regarding issues like the cost of living and population movements in the country. Tatar said, "There was a situation where these were charged to the presidency. I thank everyone, both those who supported and those who did not. I have continued my efforts at the highest level. I promoted my country, and I almost strived to promote my country. I sat for the first time at many international meetings with our own flag, and I raised our voice to the world with my speeches. We have developed our relations with Turkey at the highest level. We made all kinds of visits in Turkey, and it was a period when all kinds of love and affection increased," he said.
WHAT WILL HE DO NEXT?
In response to the question of what he will do next, Tatar said, "I need a little rest; I will look at what comes next."
```