A coalition of business organizations announced a protest set for Monday, October 28, citing the government's failure to address rising prices. The groups are demanding subsidies for electricity, gas, and basic food items to combat the high cost of living, which they claim has made life and business operations unsustainable.

Organizations Involved in the Protest:

• 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

In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concerns about the future, highlighting that the high cost of living has eroded competitive power, making business operations unviable. They referred to the situation as a “cost of living vortex” and emphasized the need for immediate government intervention.

Key Demands:

The statement called on the government to take immediate action by subsidizing essential inputs like electricity and gas, as well as basic food products, including meat and milk. They also requested fiscal policy changes to prevent economic losses and combat informality in the public sector.

The organizations believe that these measures will ease the burden on households and restore business competitiveness. They announced a “No Goods Withdrawal from Customs” protest at the Nicosia, Gazimağusa, and Kyrenia customs offices, warning that protests will continue if their demands are not met.

A Call for Government Leadership

The statement concluded with a call for government leadership in this struggle, expressing confidence that success can be achieved with the support of the public.