YDP decides to leave the TRNC government after transport minister’s resignation

The Rebirth Party (YDP) has decided to leave the TRNC government. Party chairman Erhan Arıklı said that the party council’s decision would be officially submitted to Prime Minister Ünal Üstel in writing today.

The decision followed Arıklı’s removal from his post as Minister of Public Works and Transport. The prime minister made the decision several days after the Filo Jet vessel sank off Kyrenia. According to Arıklı, Üstel called him and said: “In order for the investigation to proceed without obstruction, I have no choice but to relieve you of your duties.”

Arıklı himself accepted the resignation calmly: “This was an opportunity I had been waiting for for two years.” He recalled that he had long advocated early elections and had come close to leaving the government several times, but remained in office after being persuaded to stay.

The UBP — DP — YDP coalition has been in power since 12 May 2022. The TRNC Parliament has 50 seats: the National Unity Party (UBP) holds 23 seats, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) — 18, the Democratic Party (DP) and YDP hold two seats each, another 4 MPs are independent, and one seat is vacant.

Arıklı declined to comment on the sinking off Kyrenia, where 19 people remain missing: “While the bodies have not yet been found, we do not intend to make any comments during these few days.”