The government programme of the new National Unity Party (UBP)-Democrat Party (DP) coalition was read out in parliament today by newly elected UBP leader and Prime Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu.

Sucuoğlu’s cabinet which had been approved by President Ersin Tatar on Friday had been read out in parliament a day after, putting into motion the procedure of reading out the new government programme in parliament.

Prime Minister Sucuoğlu said that his government’s priority among other things will be to take the country, struggling with the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to early elections.

He said that the new government’s priorities also included promoting the Turkish Cypriot side’s new policies regarding the solution of the Cyprus Problem.

He reminded that all efforts to reach a federal settlement in Cyprus have failed as a result of the Greek Cypriot side’s refusal to accept the political equality of the Greek Cypriot side.

“The federation model is now a relic of the past. A just and sustainable solution in Cyprus can only be possible on the basis of the realities on the island which as outlined by the President at the five-plus-one informal meeting in April 2021, is a two-state solution based on sovereign equality and equal international status,” he said.

Sucuoğlu said that the Turkish Cypriot side’s efforts to promote and explain the new policy on Cyprus will continue with the support of the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

He also said that the TRNC remained committed and determined in defending its rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sucuoğlu said that the Turkish Cypriot side will not remain idle if the Greek Cypriot side resumes its unilateral hydrocarbon activities.

The new prime minister also said that his government will continue to pursue the Maraş initiative, to reopen sections of the fenced-off town to former residents and visitors.

Regarding the early elections, Sucuoğlu said that the necessary steps will be taken to amend the law governing elections.

On the economy, he said that the government will speed up efforts to sign a new economic protocol with Turkey.

“We will ensure that the financial and economic cooperation protocol between Turkey and the TRNC will be signed and implemented as of January 2022. We shall do all we can to increase exports and to improve the TRNC’s e-trade infrastructure. Other steps will be taken to improve the economy,” Sucuoğlu said.

Regarding the energy issue, the UBP leader said that efforts to bring electricity and natural gas from Turkey will continue with priority to be given to expanding capacity for renewable energy.

Touching upon the fight against Covid-19, Sucuoğlu said that the government will step up efforts to increase the country’s vaccination rate.

Meanwhile a vote of confidence is expected to be held on Wednesday, 48 hours after the programme has been read and the completion of deliberations.