The Democratic Party criticized an EU representative for referring to the TRNC as a “so‑called state” and its judiciary as a “so‑called judicial authority.”

The secretary-general of the Democratic Party and member of parliament for Kyrenia, Serhat Akpınar, on 20 August 2025 reacted sharply to a statement by an official spokesman for the European Union who called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) “an alleged state” and its courts “an alleged judiciary.” According to Gündem Kıbrıs, Akpınar described such formulations as “a grave disrespect” to the democratic will, sovereignty and independent judicial system of Turkish Cypriots.

Akpınar stressed that the TRNC was created by the free will of the people and that denying this and belittling its jurisprudence is inconsistent with international law. He also accused the EU of “hypocrisy,” arguing that the Union, he said, turns a blind eye to legal proceedings involving Greek Cypriots while undermining the legitimacy of TRNC courts.

The MP said the Democratic Party supports the presidential “two-state” concept and will, together with Turkey, defend the rights and honor of Turkish Cypriots on all platforms. No direct administrative changes or new measures for the population were announced; the statement mainly reflects rising political tensions in relations with the EU and the party leadership’s intention