Freedom in the World
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Northern Cyprus *
Freedom Rating (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Civil Liberties (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Political Rights (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Parliamentary elections in April 2009 brought the opposition antiunification National Unity Party to power. Meanwhile, talks between the leaders of the north and south again failed to produce results.
Economic opportunities in the north are more limited than in the south. The economy depends heavily on the government of Turkey, and the public sector provides most jobs. State salaries have been frozen for three years due to austerity measures imposed by Turkey, while the cost of living has increased. Unemployment stands at 13 percent and 24 percent for 18 to 24 year olds. However, Talat and Christofias jointly supported a business initiative in 2009 to build stronger economic links between the two communities. Also in 2009, southern Cyprus approved a EUR 259 million ($345 million) aid package for the Turkish Cypriot community after years of delay.
Elections in the TRNC are free and fair. The president and 50-seat Assembly are elected to five-year terms. The powers of the president are largely ceremonial; the prime minister is head of government.The main parties are the ruling UBP, which has opposed unification, and the pro-unification CTP.
Legal provisions for equal pay for women are not always enforced, especially in blue-collar jobs. A 2007 survey found that three-quarters of women were victims of violence at least once in their lives, with most attacks occurring at home. Police have proven unwilling to intervene, and many women choose not to report the crimes. The TRNC is a destination for trafficking in women, and little effort has been made to address this problem.
See also the country report for Cyprus.