New T/Cypriot leader, committed to a

united Cyprus

November 2025 A moderate candidate won Turkish Cypriot elections last week, defeating a hardliner in a pivotal vote that could help revive stalled U.N. talks on reunifying Cyprus. Centre-left politician Tufan Erhurman sailed to victory with 62.8% of the vote from just over 218,000 registered voters, defeating incumbent Ersin Tatar on a platform of reinvigorating talks with Greek Cypriots on the future of Cyprus. Erhurman, a lawyer, has pledged to explore a federal solution — long supported by the United Nations — to end the island’s nearly 50-year division. Tatar and Turkey, the only country which recognises breakaway North Cyprus, had backed a two-state policy, which has been ruled out by the international community. Tatar, who came to power in 2020, received 35.8% of the vote. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Erhurman. “We will continue to defend the sovereign rights and interests of the Turkish Cypriots” Erdogan said in a post on X. Cypriot President and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides also congratulated Erhurman, saying he was committed to resuming peace talks. Cyprus was split in 1974 in a Turkish invasion triggered by a brief Greek-backed coup, which followed sporadic fighting after the breakdown of a power-sharing administration in 1963. Tufan Erhurman is mandated to represent the Turkish Cypriot community in negotiations with Greek Cypriots, who represent Cyprus in the European Union and have a say in Turkey’s aspirations to join the bloc.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia