Cyprus Times

Serious Allegations by Mayor of Lefkara Regarding Turkish Cypriot Properties

Published January 20, 2026, 16:10
Serious Allegations by Mayor of Lefkara Regarding Turkish Cypriot Properties

The Mayor of Lefkara, Sophocles Sophocleous, has made serious allegations to the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees regarding the deteriorating state of Turkish Cypriot properties in the area. He stated that the properties are collapsing daily due to a lack of protection from the state and expressed his intention to take action, even outside the legal framework, if the issue is not resolved immediately, assuming political and legal responsibility. He also reported cases of illegal occupation and extortion for the transfer of properties. The representative of the Turkish Cypriot Property Administrator, Elena Karekla, responded that procedures for resolving the issue are underway, with 18 out of 88 properties remaining unoccupied and the publication of available properties scheduled for April. The Mayor of Lefkara pointed out that he has been sending letters to the Ministry of Interior since 2017 regarding the issue, but has not received a response. He emphasized that there are 105 Turkish Cypriot properties in Lefkara, many of which are listed buildings, which complicates the situation. Mr. Sophocleous accused the state of long-term mismanagement and “tolerance” of illegal occupation, stating that he knows who occupies the properties and how. He expressed his determination to act, even if it means bypassing legal procedures, in order to protect the properties and provide housing for people in them.