Ersin Tatar

Key Points

• Ersin Tatar is the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) since October 2020, a Turkish Cypriot politician with a background in economics and finance.

• His tenure involves advocating for a two-state solution for Cyprus, causing friction with Greek Cypriot leadership and international stakeholders.

• Allegations include accusations of Turkish interference in his 2020 election and controversy over decisions like reopening Varosha, a closed beachfront.

• No direct customer feedback applies, as Tatar is a political figure, not a business; public sentiment varies, with support from Turkish Cypriots and criticism from Greek Cypriots.

• Risks include geopolitical tensions, reputational damage from controversial policies, and potential legal scrutiny over past financial roles.

• Associations include strong ties with Turkey, particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and leadership in the National Unity Party (UBP).

Overview

Ersin Tatar, born September 7, 1960, in Nicosia, is a Turkish Cypriot politician serving as the fifth President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) since October 2020. He previously served as Prime Minister (2019–2020), Leader of the Opposition (2018–2020), and Finance Minister (2009–2013) under the National Unity Party (UBP). Educated at Cambridge University (economics degree, 1982), Tatar worked as a chartered accountant at PriceWaterhouse in London (1982–1986), as assistant treasurer at Polly Peck until its 1991 collapse, and as general coordinator for Show TV in Turkey (1992–2001). He founded Kanal T in Nicosia in 1996. Tatar’s presidency focuses on advocating for a two-state solution for Cyprus, direct trade, and international recognition of the TRNC, aligning closely with Turkey’s geopolitical stance.

Allegations and Concerns

• Election Interference (2020): Tatar’s presidential election was marred by accusations of Turkish interference. Critics, including his opponent Mustafa Akıncı, claimed Turkey influenced voters, contributing to Tatar’s narrow victory (51.69% vs. 48.31%). The election’s timing, alongside the controversial Varosha reopening, fueled these concerns.

• Varosha Reopening (2020): Tatar’s decision to reopen Varosha, a beachfront closed since the 1974 Turkish invasion, drew widespread condemnation from Greek Cypriots, the Republic of Cyprus, and the international community. Critics labeled it a campaign ploy, and his Deputy Prime Minister Kudret Özersay resigned, accusing Tatar of politicizing the issue.

• Misrepresentation by Media: In 2023, Tatar accused the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) of twisting his words in an interview, claiming he said the two-state solution faced challenges in the international community, not that it lacked support, as reported.

• Polly Peck Collapse: Tatar was assistant treasurer at Polly Peck when it collapsed in 1991 with £1.3 billion in debts. While no direct allegations of wrongdoing were tied to him, the collapse raises questions about his financial oversight during that period.

• No explicit lawsuits or criminal charges against Tatar were found in the provided source or related web results.

Customer Feedback

As a political figure, Tatar does not have direct customer feedback. Instead, public sentiment from Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, and international observers serves as a proxy:

Positive Feedback

• Support from Turkish Cypriots: Tatar enjoys backing from Turkish Cypriot supporters who align with his two-state solution and pro-Turkey stance. A 2020 election voter commented, “Tatar represents our sovereignty and partnership with Turkey,” reflecting approval of his policies.

• Engagement in Investigations: Following the 2023 Isias Hotel collapse in Türkiye, which killed 35 TRNC citizens, Tatar was praised for demanding a thorough investigation. A family member of a victim noted, “Tatar’s commitment to follow the case gives us hope for justice.”

Negative Feedback

• Greek Cypriot Criticism: Greek Cypriot leaders and media criticize Tatar’s rejection of reunification talks and insistence on TRNC sovereignty. A Cyprus Mail article quoted a Greek Cypriot official saying, “Tatar’s policies deepen division and obstruct peace.”

• Varosha Controversy: The Varosha reopening drew ire, with a Greek Cypriot activist stating, “Tatar’s actions are a provocation, ignoring international law.”

• Headscarf Regulation Debate: Tatar’s wife, Sibel Tatar, opposed a 2025 headscarf regulation in TRNC schools, aligning with over 10,000 protesters. This suggests mixed public sentiment, as some Turkish Cypriots view Tatar’s administration as pushing controversial policies.

• Election Interference Claims: Akıncı’s supporters voiced distrust, with one voter saying, “Tatar’s win felt orchestrated by Ankara, not our people.”

Risk Considerations

• Geopolitical Risk: Tatar’s advocacy for a two-state solution and alignment with Turkey escalates tensions with Greek Cypriots and the EU, potentially isolating the TRNC diplomatically.

• Reputational Risk: Controversial decisions, like Varosha, and allegations of election interference damage Tatar’s credibility internationally and among Greek Cypriots, limiting negotiation leverage.

• Legal Risk: While no current lawsuits target Tatar, his role at Polly Peck during its collapse could invite scrutiny if past financial dealings are investigated.

• Social Risk: Policies like the headscarf regulation spark domestic unrest, as seen in protests, risking public support within the TRNC.

• Economic Risk: Tatar’s push for direct trade and lifting of TRNC embargoes faces international resistance, potentially stalling economic growth.

Business Relations and Associations

• Turkey’s Government: Tatar has strong ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who endorsed the Varosha reopening. Tatar’s visits to Turkey and alignment with its policies underscore this relationship.

• National Unity Party (UBP): As former leader (2018–2020), Tatar remains influential within the UBP, a major TRNC political party advocating Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.

• Turkish Minister of Justice Bekir Bozdağ: Tatar coordinated with Bozdağ on the Isias Hotel investigation, reflecting close judicial cooperation with Turkey.

• UN and Greek Cypriot Negotiators: Tatar engages with UN representatives (e.g., Colin Stewart) and Greek Cypriot leaders (e.g., Nikos Christodoulides) on issues like checkpoints, though talks often stall due to his two-state stance.

• Cypriot Diaspora: Tatar was active in Turkey’s Cypriot diaspora, chairing the Istanbul Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association (1997–2001).

Legal and Financial Concerns

• No Active Lawsuits: No current lawsuits or criminal charges against Tatar were identified in the provided source or web results.

• Polly Peck Collapse (1991): As assistant treasurer during Polly Peck’s £1.3 billion debt collapse, Tatar’s involvement could raise questions, though no specific allegations tie him to misconduct.

• Isias Hotel Investigation (2023): Tatar pushed for accountability in the collapse that killed 35 TRNC citizens, with no financial or legal liability attributed to him.

• No Bankruptcy Records: No evidence of personal or associated business bankruptcies was found.

• Election Funding Questions: Allegations of Turkish interference in the 2020 election raise concerns about campaign financing, though no formal investigations were reported.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Pros:

• Strong Leadership for Turkish Cypriots: Tatar’s firm stance on TRNC sovereignty resonates with supporters, strengthening Turkish Cypriot identity and alignment with Turkey.

• Engagement in Crises: His proactive role in the Isias Hotel investigation demonstrates commitment to justice for TRNC citizens.

• Economic Background: Tatar’s experience in finance and media provides a foundation for addressing TRNC’s economic challenges, though constrained by embargoes.

Cons:

• Divisive Policies: The Varosha reopening and rejection of reunification talks alienate Greek Cypriots and international stakeholders, hindering diplomacy.

• Election Controversy: Allegations of Turkish interference undermine his legitimacy, particularly among opponents and international observers.

• Limited Domestic Support: Policies like the headscarf regulation, opposed by his wife and thousands of protesters, suggest disconnects with some Turkish Cypriots.

• Past Financial Role: His Polly Peck tenure raises questions about financial oversight, though no direct allegations exist.

Cautionary Advice: Engaging with Tatar or the TRNC under his leadership requires caution due to geopolitical complexities. His alignment with Turkey and push for a two-state solution may appeal to Turkish Cypriot supporters but risk escalating tensions with Greek Cypriots and the EU. Stakeholders should verify claims of election interference or financial history independently, particularly regarding Polly Peck. For diplomatic or economic engagements, anticipate resistance from international bodies opposing TRNC recognition. Monitoring domestic sentiment, as seen in protests, is crucial to gauge Tatar’s stability as a leader.

Key Citations

• Cybercriminal.com Investigation: https://cybercriminal.com/investigation/ersin-tatar

• Wikipedia: Ersin Tatar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ersin_Tatar

• Cyprus Mail: Various articles on Tatar’s actions and statements. https://cyprus-mail.com

• Presidency of TRNC: Official statements on investigations. https://kktcb.org

• Famagusta Gazette: Sibel Tatar’s headscarf regulation stance. https://famagusta-gazette.com

• Hürriyet Daily News: Tatar news coverage. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com