Ersin Tatar voices desire to rename TRNC, cites constitutional barrier

LEFKOŞA – President Ersin Tatar has expressed a desire to change the name of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the "Turkish Republic of Cyprus," but acknowledged that such a change is not currently possible under the Constitution.

Speaking in an interview with researcher and author Hilmi Daşdemir, President Tatar said, “I wish it could be done. I share the same view,” in response to growing expectations following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent visit to the island.

Tatar emphasized that the current legal framework prevents any alteration to the TRNC’s official name, calling it a constitutional limitation. “According to the Constitution, the name of the TRNC cannot be changed. This presents a problem,” he said.

The president also discussed broader political implications, suggesting that a two-state solution for Cyprus would eliminate the current north-south division. “If a federation had been established, it would have involved a Northern state and a Southern state. That’s no longer the situation,” Tatar noted.

The remarks have reignited debate over the future identity and political structure of the TRNC amid ongoing tensions and negotiations surrounding the Cyprus issue.