Üstel: We aim to introduce paid military service in the new term

Prime Minister and National Unity Party (UBP) leader Ünal Üstel announced that they aim to introduce paid military service in the new term. Speaking at the UBP Candidate Promotion Rally, Üstel said the move was intended to make it easier for young people to plan their education, working lives and starting a family.

The announcement did not specify a fee, eligibility conditions or a firm implementation date for paid military service. Üstel presented it as a measure they aim to introduce in the new term.

Emphasis on education and working life

Üstel said military service obligations made it difficult for young people to plan their futures, arguing that the current system made it harder to enter the workforce and continue academic studies. Üstel also referred to the importance of military service for the country, saying that enabling young people to build their lives in their own country was a priority.

Üstel claimed that many young people chose to live and work abroad because of military service. He also said they would take steps to encourage young people living abroad to return to the TRNC (KKTC).

Noting that the issue also closely concerned families, Üstel argued that military service obligations affected marriage plans and led to people marrying at an older age. While announcing the aim of introducing paid military service, he asked young people to record his remarks on their phones.

Objective is to keep young people in the country

Speaking about other projects for young people, Üstel said they were planning investments in energy, technology, sport, culture, transport and social housing. He said that enabling young people to complete their education, enter the workforce and build their futures in the TRNC was among their priorities.