Turkish party leader calls for Northern Cyprus’ full integration with Türkiye

On October 21, 2025, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli called on the parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to convene immediately and make a decision on joining the Republic of Türkiye.

Turkish media reported his remarks, made in response to the election of Tufan Erhürman, leader of the Republican Turkish Party (TRP), as president of the TRNC.

"Cyprus is a Turkish land, the homeland of the Turks. Theses and proposals for a federation have absolutely no force and no future. Cyprus is our national cause," Bahçeli said, emphasising the strategic and symbolic importance of the island.

He further stated: "The results of the elections held in the TRNC were achieved with a very low turnout. Even if the election results have already been announced, the parliament should urgently convene and announce that the election results and a return to federation are unacceptable and decide to join Türkiye."

Bahçeli stressed that the issue transcends democratic rights, framing it as a matter of national security and sovereignty: "This issue has nothing to do with democratic rights – it is a matter of homeland, security, survival, honour and dignity. Moving towards federation means giving up national and legal achievements. And no one has the right to do that. Cyprus is much more than an island. It is the lifeblood of the Turkish-Cypriot nation. The security and future of Cyprus are inextricably linked to the security and future of the Republic of Türkiye. In this context, Cyprus is Turkish and always will be."

By Tamilla Hasanova