North Cyprus transport minister removed following deadly ferry sinking

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the 'prime minister' of the north, Unal Ustel, removed Erhan Arikli from his position as 'transport minister.' This decision follows a ferry disaster off the coast of Kyrenia that occurred three days prior, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people. Ustel stated the dismissal was necessary to ensure an impartial investigation by police and judicial authorities. Additionally, responsibility for the ports department was transferred from the transport ministry to the office of the 'prime minister.

Erhan Arikli, who leads the coalition party YDP, described his removal as unethical but confirmed he would respect the government's decision. Following the announcement, Arikli reversed a previous plan to refrain from political action, scheduling a party assembly for Thursday to discuss potentially withdrawing support from the current ruling coalition. Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition party CTP, Sila Usar Incirli, criticized the move, claiming it is an attempt by Ustel to avoid accountability for long-standing issues. The future structure of the ministry remains subject to constitutional provisions as the investigation into the ferry sinking continues.