Politis

Occupied Territories: Unions Accuse Turkey of 'Seizing Institutions'

Published February 25, 2026, 12:18
Occupied Territories: Unions Accuse Turkey of 'Seizing Institutions'

In the occupied territories, trade unions are accusing Turkey of “seizing institutions,” reacting to the signing of the protocol for the installation of a fiber optic network by the Turkish company Türk Telekom for the next 25 years. The unions argue that the awarding of the project to Türk Telekom is an attempt to control the infrastructure and institutions of the Turkish Cypriots by Turkey. Five trade unions held a protest march, denouncing the “government” and its choices. The unions claim that Turkey is imposing policies and cooperation protocols on the occupied territories, distancing Turkish Cypriots from production and occupying public institutions. During the march, protesters held black flags and torches, chanting slogans against corruption and poverty. According to the “protocol,” Türk Telekom will install a fiber optic network infrastructure and provide internet services to approximately 150,000 homes and businesses in the occupied territories. The “Minister of Transport” Erhan Arıklı argued that the data storage infrastructure will be under the control of the pseudo-state. However, the unions express fears of loss of control and increased Turkish influence. The unions also accuse the government of tolerating illegal activities, such as money laundering, the operation of religious orders, drug trafficking and human trafficking. They demand the immediate cessation of these practices and the protection of the institutions of the Turkish Cypriots.