Northern Cyprus premier submits his government’s resignation

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

The Turkish Cypriot prime minister on Saturday submitted his resignation to the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Faiz Sucuoglu, speaking to reporters following his meeting with President Ersin Tatar, said the president accepted the government’s resignation and gave his authorization for the continuation of the current government until a new one is formed.

On Monday, three Turkish Cypriot political parties -- the National Unity Party (NUP), Democratic Party (DP), and Rebirth Party (RB) -- formed a new coalition government after the former Cabinet resigned earlier this month.

Sucuoglu had resigned along with his Cabinet on April 18. He was given a mandate to form a new government by Tatar on April 22.

The NUP led in snap elections held on Jan. 23, securing over 39.5% of the vote, with the Republican Turkish Party (RTP) ranking second with over 32%.

The NUP has 24 seats in the parliament while its coalition partners, DP and RB, have three and two seats, respectively.