Philenews

Turkish Cypriot Leader Expresses Discontent Over EU Commission President's Speech

Published January 9, 2026, 09:20
Turkish Cypriot Leader Expresses Discontent Over EU Commission President's Speech

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman has voiced dissatisfaction with Ursula von der Leyen's speech, which made no mention of Turkish Cypriots. The article's author argues that this omission is not unreasonable, given that Turkish Cypriots are already EU citizens and the Commission President should have focused on the Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, which she also failed to do. Erhurman is calling for confidence-building measures between the EU and Turkish Cypriots, while the author urges him to clarify whether Turkish Cypriots want to be European or subservient to Ankara. Furthermore, Erhurman appeared displeased with von der Leyen's reference to Byzantine churches, believing it undermines the history of Cyprus. The author responds by reminding of the existence of minarets built on Byzantine foundations, as well as other significant historical monuments. He emphasizes that von der Leyen should have mentioned the illegal occupation and desecration of cultural heritage by Turkey. The article also includes a parallel critique of former Bishop of Paphos Tychikos, accusing him of obscurantism and excessive zeal in interpreting religious rules. Tychikos's actions, such as refusing to accept the relics of St. Paul from the Vatican and discouraging interaction with people deemed 'not of God,' are characterized as extreme and contrary to tolerance and dialogue. Overall, the article expresses strong criticism both towards Ursula von der Leyen for her lack of clarity regarding the Cyprus issue, and towards Tufan Erhurman for his hypocrisy and attempt to portray Turkish Cypriots as victims while Turkey continues to occupy part of Cyprus. The criticism extends to Tychikos, for his extreme religious beliefs.