Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Nicosia as a beacon of hope for multiple cities across the region during a speech to his AK Party. Speaking at a policy retreat in Sapanca, Erdogan referred to the party as a movement supported by hundreds of millions across their shared cultural geography. He marked the nearly 25 years since the AK Party's founding, highlighting its transformative impact on Turkish politics.

Erdogan’s remarks come amid speculation that the AK Party might call early presidential and parliamentary elections, potentially allowing him to run for another term. Under the current constitution, he cannot run in 2028 if the term completes normally, but an early election requires the approval of 60 percent of parliament—support currently just below that threshold.

The ruling party faces a weakened opposition, with the CHP leadership crisis and imprisonment of the presidential candidate weakening electoral competition. Meanwhile, the choice of Sapanca for the retreat draws attention to local controversies, including the mayor’s false claim of a degree from Cyprus’ Eastern Mediterranean University, which the institution has publicly denied.