Mehmet Harmancı withdraws from Cyprus Forum over title dispute

A diplomatic crisis has emerged regarding the Cyprus Forum 2026 following a dispute over the official title of Mehmet Harmancı, the Mayor of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality. Originally listed in the program as “Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality,” his title was changed to “Leader of the Turkish Cypriot community of Nicosia” after objections from the Greek Cypriot political party ELAM.

ELAM challenged the legitimacy of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality and demanded Harmancı’s participation be withdrawn. In response to the pressure, the Forum organizers attempted to resolve the issue by updating the title, but Harmancı rejected the new designation, labeling the incident as “racist and divisive propaganda” and a “dangerous example of political pressure.” Consequently, Harmancı withdrew from the event.

In a show of solidarity, Charalambos Prountzos, the Mayor of South Nicosia, also withdrew from the forum. Political leaders, including Zeki Çeler of the Social Democratic Party (TDP) and Fikri Toros of the CTP, criticized the change of title as an unacceptable interference with the institutional will of the Turkish Cypriot community. The Forum management stated they did not intend to withdraw the invitation but sought to address the concerns raised by the Greek Cypriot side.