A decision by the UBP/DP coalition government to give land to the family of Deputy Prime Minister and head of the finance department Serdar Denktaş and to the daughter of former President Derviş Eroglu, has created an uproar in the TRNC assembly.
An angry debate ensued in parliament, leading Denktaş to walk out after being the subject of verbal attacks.
The opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP), joined by other party members moved on to demonstrate outside the assembly building, some of whom were seen waving red cards.
The government attempted to rent a demilitarised zone near Aydemet, a western suburb of Nicosia to a company owned by the deputy coalition leader’s son Rauf Denktas. Opposition party members have accused the coalition of “outright nepotism”. Additionally, they have pointed out that the act is illegal according to a financial protocol signed with Turkey.
The CTP says that the correct procedure would be to offer tenders before renting out public land.
Outrage was increased when the council of minister agreed to rent out public land in North Nicosia, to a company belonging to Razmiye Canaltay, the daughter of Derviş Eroglu. Canaltay has admitted in statements made to the Turkish Cypriot media, that her company plans to build a five-star hotel on the land. According to the council of ministers’ decision, Canaltay’s company can use the land for the next 40years.
On Sunday, there was a public demonstration held in protest against the decisions made by the government. They condemned the coalition for acts of nepotism under the slogan “You’ve eaten enough!”
Cyprus Weekly, Yeni Duzen