Nicosia municipal leaders clash over administration and future

Political tensions are rising in Nicosia as Lefkoşa Türk Belediyesi (LTB) Mayor Mehmet Harmancı and the National Unity Party (UBP) exchange criticisms regarding the city's administration and future.

Mayor Harmancı responded to statements by Prime Minister and UBP Leader Ünal Üstel, who suggested that the current administration has not made progress. Harmancı countered by alleging that the previous UBP-led administration left the municipality in a state of financial and administrative crisis, citing unpaid employee wages, significant bank debts reaching 80 percent of the budget, and infrastructure issues. Harmancı asserted that his administration has rebuilt the city through sewage investments and social support programs using the municipality's own resources.

Concurrently, UBP Secretary General Ahmet Savaşan stated that residents in areas such as Metehan, Ortaköy, and Göçmenköy are seeking change. Savaşan indicated that the party is working to introduce a new era for Nicosia with candidate Mehmet Aktunç, emphasizing a desire for a younger, more dynamic, and accessible leadership.