Ozdemir Berova appointed acting Turkish Cypriot transport minister following ferry disaster
Ozdemir Berova was named acting Turkish Cypriot transport minister on Friday, temporarily replacing Erhan Arikli, who was dismissed amid ongoing investigations into a recent ferry disaster off Kyrenia. Berova, the current finance minister, will serve in this role until September 12 at the latest. Alongside Berova's appointment, three senior officials in the transport ministry were also relieved of their duties.
Arikli's dismissal came three days after a passenger ferry sank, resulting in at least 12 fatalities. Authorities emphasized that the move aims to facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation by police and judicial bodies without conflicts of interest. The Turkish Cypriot prime minister clarified that the decision was not politically motivated, despite Arikli’s party, the YDP, withdrawing support from the ruling coalition, which now holds a slim legislative majority.
Families of the victims had sharply criticized Arikli for not meeting with them following the tragedy. His absence during crucial moments at Kyrenia’s port added to the public outcry prior to his removal from office.
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