Business organizations to stage a protest on Monday against high prices and cost of living in north Cyprus

Some organizations founded by business people in north Cyprus will hold a protest on Monday, October 28, over lack of measures taken against high prices.

In a joint statement made on behalf of the organizations on Saturday, they demand that electricity, gas and basic food items be subsidized.

The organisations include: Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce, Cyprus Turkish Women Entrepreneurs Association, Cyprus Turkish Business People Association, Business Women Association, Northern Cyprus Business People Association, Cyprus Turkish Employers Union, TRNC Shipowners Association, Cyprus Turkish Ship and Marine Vehicles Agencies Association, Cyprus Turkish Fast Delivery Products Suppliers Association, TRNC Free Business People Association.

The statement, which noted that the high cost of living created concerns about the future, said, “The high cost of living has made life unlivable and businesses inoperable. Our competitive power has melted away! We have to fight against the high cost of living using all our strength. This is a social duty.”

The statement, stated that “the cost of living is being caused to increase even more without any serious measures being taken,” noted that this was called the “cost of living vortex.”

“We have to get out of this vortex. The duty of our government is to dry up the sources of high prices. To this end, prices of basic inputs such as electricity and gas and basic food products such as meat and milk should be reduced by subsidizing them with public resources, at least for a while. In addition, fiscal policy arrangements should be made and measures should be taken to prevent savings and informality in the public sector.”

It was stated that when these measures are taken, the livelihood of households will become easier and the competitiveness of businesses will be restored.

It was stated that there will be a “No Goods Withdrawal from Customs” protest on Monday at the Nicosia, Gazimağusa and Kyrenia customs, and that the protests will continue if the warning is not heeded.

The statement said, “We invite our government to lead this struggle. We believe that we can achieve success in this struggle with the power we receive from our people.”