Gürcafer: Hastily Drafted Law Severely Damaged Construction Sector

Speaking on Gökhan Altıner's Sabah Postası program on Kıbrıs Postası TV, Gürcafer emphasized that the rushed process created legal uncertainty and economic instability.

“Hastily Drafted Law Created Insecurity”

Gürcafer explained, “The draft law we prepared was presented differently to the Council of Ministers and the committee. Despite all our warnings, it was finalized within two weeks without thorough legal and economic considerations. This law has caused a severe blow to the economy and the construction sector, leaving contracting firms grappling with its negative effects.”

Highlighting the distrust caused among foreign investors, Gürcafer said:
“Foreign investors analyze a country’s legal system before committing. Nowhere in the world does law operate retroactively. Yet, clauses such as ‘those who own excess properties must sell them within two years or face confiscation’ were included, creating immense distrust. Trust is everything, and as a state, we have failed to provide it.”

“Sector Collapse Inevitable Without New Projects”

While welcoming an amendment extending the property disposal period to 10 years, Gürcafer stressed that it is insufficient. He warned that without immediate measures, the construction sector faces collapse by 2025:
“Ongoing projects will be delivered by 2025, but there are no new developments. If no action is taken, we will face a collapse. We worked hard to build national capital, but if there’s no future in the country, that capital will leave. Major firms employing thousands are losing strength. If the sector’s problems grow, an economic disaster will be unavoidable.”

“We Must Establish Greater Trust”

Noting that North Cyprus, as an unrecognized state, faces higher expectations to establish trust, Gürcafer added:
“Our services must be of the same quality as those in other countries, but we act as though these issues don’t exist. Both administrative and legal services must meet international standards. This is the demand from us, and it aligns with our own goals.”

Gürcafer concluded by acknowledging national security concerns and Turkey’s role, stressing that the law cannot be addressed independently without broader cooperation.