Üstel Unveils Ambitious 2033 Vision with 15,000 Homes, Cheaper Electricity and Return of Cyprus Turkish Airlines

The announcements came on Monday as the National Unity Party (UBP) launched the first phase of its “Vision 2033” programme, setting out plans for the TRNC ahead of the December 6 general election and the republic’s 50th anniversary in 2033.

Speaking at the presentation of what the party described as 50 major projects, Üstel said the programme would focus on reducing household expenses, improving public services, creating opportunities for young people and modernising the country’s infrastructure.

Among the headline proposals was a commitment to expand the government’s social housing programme to 15,000 homes, alongside a new low-interest loan scheme designed to help approximately 5,000 people build their own properties.

Üstel also announced plans to allow first-time homebuyers to use 50 per cent of their accumulated Provident Fund savings as a non-repayable contribution towards purchasing a property.

Childcare allowances and lower household costs

Under the proposed family support package, working women with children aged up to six would receive a monthly childcare allowance equivalent to half the minimum wage.

Women who have been unable to enter employment because of childcare responsibilities and have no social insurance record would receive monthly support equal to one-third of the minimum wage.

The government also pledged to abolish VAT on consumer products for children aged up to 12 and provide elderly people requiring care with financial assistance equivalent to half the minimum wage.

Addressing the cost of living, Üstel promised measures to narrow the price difference between goods sold in Türkiye and the TRNC, including zero VAT on selected essential products, freight subsidies for imports and extending VAT payment deferrals from 60 to 90 days.

Electricity bills to fall by half

One of the most ambitious commitments involved energy, with Üstel promising to reduce household and business electricity costs by at least 50 per cent.

The proposed programme includes completing an electricity interconnection with Türkiye, constructing a natural gas pipeline, installing additional generating capacity and investing approximately $200 million in modernising the electricity distribution network.

The government also plans to introduce up to 100 megawatts of solar generation capacity alongside battery storage facilities.

Üstel claimed the investment programme would ultimately eliminate electricity shortages and power cuts.

Cyprus Turkish Airlines to fly again in 2028

In another major announcement, Üstel pledged to revive Cyprus Turkish Airlines, which ceased operations in 2010.

He said the national carrier would return to service in 2028, arguing that its revival would support tourism, improve competition and help stabilise airfares.

Üstel acknowledged that similar promises had been made previously but insisted his government would deliver the project.

New hospitals and national health insurance

Healthcare featured prominently in the programme, with Üstel promising to introduce a General Health Insurance scheme providing access to public, private and university hospitals.

He said the government was working towards introducing the scheme on March 1, 2027, including arrangements allowing insured TRNC citizens to receive treatment at participating hospitals in Türkiye.

Other commitments included completing the new 343-bed Nicosia State Hospital in 2027, opening the Pamuklu Hospital, building a new hospital in İskele and establishing three dental hospitals.

An air ambulance helicopter and a new 112 Emergency Command Centre were also announced.

Infrastructure, internet and employment

Üstel pledged to extend high-speed fibre-optic internet to 150,000 homes and businesses within a year, while announcing plans for another 150 kilometres of roads.

Girne Tourism Harbour and Gazimağusa Port would be modernised within two years, while a new marina would be built in İskele.

The programme also includes a new Ministry of Youth and Sports, additional sports facilities and expanded support for female entrepreneurs and people with disabilities.

Üstel said a separate package, which he described as the largest financial support initiative for young people in the TRNC’s history, would be announced within a week.

The Prime Minister defended his government's economic record, citing increases in employment, wages and national income since 2022, and insisted that the UBP had demonstrated its ability to deliver major infrastructure projects.

He said further announcements would follow in two additional presentations.

The proposals represent an extensive set of commitments ahead of December's elections, although detailed funding arrangements and implementation schedules for several of the larger projects have yet to be outlined.