Mass Withdrawals from Cyprus Forum Follow Title Dispute Over Turkish Cypriot Mayor
Nicosia mayors Mehmet Harmanci and Charalambos Prountzos have withdrawn from the upcoming Cyprus Forum after organisers changed Harmanci's title from "mayor" to "leader of the Turkish Cypriot community" under pressure from the far-right Elam party. Harmanci criticized this alteration as a capitulation to racist and divisive propaganda, stating it publicly humiliated the Turkish Cypriot community. Following his announcement, Prountzos withdrew in solidarity, although the organisers said the peace and democracy award will still be presented to representatives from both communities.
The pro-federal Turkish Cypriot party CTP also pulled out, condemning the title change as unacceptable political pressure that undermines democratic representation. Other participants, including lawyer Mine Atli, media figures, and political activists, cited the forum’s dismissive response to concerns as reasons for their withdrawal.
Elam's rising political influence, now as the joint-third largest party in the Cyprus parliament, has led to increased pressure on institutions to alter their engagement with Turkish Cypriot representatives. This has affected various initiatives and events involving the Turkish Cypriot community, highlighting growing challenges to intercommunal cooperation in Cyprus.
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