A defining moment for Northern Cyprus politics
Who is Ersin Tatar? This question again shapes Northern Cyprus politics as the island prepares for its 2025 election.
The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and leader of the National Unity Party (UBP) is now running for a second term.
He is best known for his firm defense of the two-state solution and his emphasis on Turkish Cypriot sovereignty.
Born in 1960 in Nicosia, Ersin Tatar has spent his life navigating politics, finance, and public service. His journey reflects both Cyprus’s struggles and its resilience.
Early life and political roots
Tatar grew up in a politically active family. His father, Rüstem Tatar, served as Finance Minister and took part in the London and Zurich Agreements of 1960 that created the Republic of Cyprus.
His grandfather, Cemal Müftüzade, worked closely with Dr. Fazıl Küçük, the Turkish Cypriot community’s first Vice President.
As a child, Tatar faced personal hardship when his mother passed away. Yet, these challenges strengthened his sense of duty and discipline.
He grew up surrounded by public servants and diplomats. Therefore, politics became not only his heritage but also his calling.
Education and international experience
After finishing school in Cyprus, Tatar moved to the United Kingdom. He graduated from Cambridge University in 1982 with a degree in economics.
Soon after, he joined Price Waterhouse in London, where he learned financial management and auditing.
Later, he worked at Polly Peck International (1986–1990), led by Turkish Cypriot businessman Asil Nadir.
These experiences helped him build strong ties in international business and finance.
Because of his British education, Tatar combined a global perspective with a deep local identity. This dual outlook later shaped his political leadership.
Media ventures and return to Cyprus
In the 1990s, Ersin Tatar returned to Turkey. He became Finance Director at FMC-Nurol Defense Industry and then Financial Affairs Coordinator at Show TV, one of Turkey’s most popular channels.
In 1996, he founded Kanal T, the first private television station in Northern Cyprus. The channel represented his vision of connecting Cypriots through local media and culture.
Through business and media, Tatar built a reputation for innovation. Meanwhile, his growing public presence made his entry into politics inevitable.
Political career and leadership of Ersin Tatar
Tatar joined the National Unity Party (UBP) and entered parliament as a Member of Parliament in 2009.
The same year, he became Minister of Finance in the Eroğlu Government, continuing in the Küçük Government until 2013.
He managed budgets carefully and promoted financial stability. As a result, his reputation grew as a disciplined and pragmatic leader.
In 2018, he was elected Chairman of UBP. One year later, after a coalition collapse, he became Prime Minister.
Then, in 2020, he won the TRNC presidential election, defeating Mustafa Akıncı. Since then, President Ersin Tatar has led with a clear message: recognition and equality must come before any new Cyprus talks.
The 2025 election: continuity or change?
As Northern Cyprus approaches the 2025 presidential election, Ersin Tatar runs again.
His campaign promotes stability, economic cooperation with Turkey, and regional energy partnerships.
Supporters view him as the defender of sovereignty. Critics, however, argue for a new dialogue with Greek Cypriots.
His main rival, Tufan Erhürman, represents that alternative. Therefore, the 2025 election is not just about personalities—it is a choice between two political paths.
For voters wondering “Who is Ersin Tatar in 2025?”, he remains the face of continuity in Northern Cyprus politics.
Personal life and community work of Ersin Tatar
Ersin Tatar is married to Sibel Tatar. The couple has two daughters, Cansu Ayten and Canev.
He previously led the Istanbul Turkish Cypriot Cultural Association and the Yenicami Ağdelen Sports Club.
Through these roles, he stayed close to his community and remained active beyond politics.
Even after decades in public life, Tatar still describes himself as “a son of Nicosia.”
He often says his purpose is to preserve the spirit and independence of the Turkish Cypriot people.
