A contentious session in the Turkish Grand National Assembly saw lawmakers debate a range of critical issues, from Kurdish-language education to the nation’s economic outlook and youth unemployment. The proceedings, held on December 20, 2025, were marked by heated exchanges over the implementation of optional Kurdish courses, with Education Minister Yusuf Tekin defending his ministry’s efforts amidst accusations of obstruction. Beyond language rights, the Assembly also addressed concerns regarding peace initiatives, municipal budgets, and a troubling rise in suicide rates in the Hakkari province.
ANKARA – Discussions surrounding Kurdish-language elective courses, debates on peace initiatives, the future of youth, and municipal budgets dominated a recent session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The debate over the implementation of Kurdish-language elective courses and Education Minister Yusuf Tekin’s response to criticism were particularly prominent during the proceedings.
Here are key highlights from the General Assembly discussions:
Debate over Kurdish Elective Courses: “A Right, But Doesn’t Exist”
New Way Party Group Chairman Bülent Kaya stated his party acknowledged past steps taken by the government regarding the Kurdish issue and fundamental rights, but argued that significant problems exist with the current implementation. Addressing Education Minister Yusuf Tekin, Kaya said, “There is an application of ‘a right, but doesn’t exist’ regarding Kurmanji and Zazaki elective courses. The fact that the courses are elective is important, but the attitude of administrators and the lack of sufficient personnel make the process difficult. This approach should be abandoned.”
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin responded to the claims while answering questions from lawmakers.
Tekin Calls for Support for Kurdish Elective Courses
Responding to questions from members of parliament, Education Minister Yusuf Tekin addressed a planned concert in Istanbul by “Koma Amed” – which was banned by the Küçükçekmece District Governorship – and the availability of elective Kurdish-language courses in schools. Tekin stated:
“I was presented with an accusation of ‘hostility towards the Kurdish language’ in connection with a concert in Istanbul. I am not familiar with the details of the concert or the reasons for its cancellation, which I will obtain separately. Regarding the claim of ‘hostility towards the Kurdish language,’ I would like to make a few points. The Justice and Development Party came to power on November 3, 2002. The first AK Party government was established on November 18, 2002, and the state of emergency was lifted on November 30, 2002, as our first action.
We have implemented a series of initiatives, from reopening emptied villages to enabling citizens to learn Kurdish. Currently, the Ministry of National Education has made it possible to learn approximately 30 living languages and dialects, including Kurdish, Kurmanji, and Zazaki, on an elective basis, provided there is sufficient demand.
We have also made teacher appointments to facilitate the teaching of these courses, and we will continue to do so. In response to the question of ‘How many teachers have you appointed?’ I would like to address my esteemed colleagues: If you want teachers to be appointed for Zazaki and Kurmanji courses, you need to ensure that students in the region choose these courses.
Because we make teacher appointments based on the number of courses taught across Turkey and the norm calculation. We determine the norm need by calculating the course hours entered by existing teachers. As demand increases, the norm need will arise, and appointments will be made. Currently, the existing teachers meet the norm need, so no new norm vacancy is visible.”
“I Give You a Star, You Passed the Class”
During his speech, Education Minister Tekin responded to DEM Party Mardin MP Berivan Güneş Altın, who interjected, with, “Do you know better than me? You know everything very well, madam; I know nothing. Despite having millions of data points at my disposal, you know better than I do, despite having nothing. You are very polite, I congratulate you; I truly give you a star, you passed the class.”
VİDEO – Türkiye Milli Eğitim Bakanı Yusuf Tekin, TBMM Genel Kurulu’nda bütçe görüşmelerinde ‘Kürtçe konser yasağı’ ‘Kürtçe eğitime’ ilişkin konuştu:
“Vatandaşlarımızın Kürtçe öğrenmesine yönelik bir dizi etkinliği hayata geçirdik” pic.twitter.com/uZHLphZRCX
— Rudaw Türkçe (@RudawTurkce) December 20, 2025
Political Debate on “Peace” and “Messenger”
İYİ Party Deputy Chairman Selcan Taşcı addressed the debate surrounding abusive chants directed at Leyla Zana, arguing, “How is it a pain for peace to forgive insults directed at one person, while considering thousands of murders and rapes as a right? They condemn insults but applaud massacres; they demand constitutional privileges for murderers.”
DEM Party Group Deputy Chairman Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit responded to accusations of being a “messenger,” stating, “Who is a messenger? Those representing international intelligence agencies, those opposing the process, and those spewing Kurdish hatred are the epitome of a messenger.”
MHP Emphasizes National Unity
MHP Gümüşhane MP Musa Küçük stated that unity is essential when it comes to the security of the state, and that the direction set by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli is a guarantee for the nation.
MHP Group Deputy Chairman Filiz Kılıç echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our biggest goal in 2026 is a Turkey where not a trace of terrorism remains. No one can break this brotherhood pact.” Kılıç affirmed the solidarity of the People’s Alliance.
Youth, Unemployment, and Suicide Rates in Hakkari
New Way Party Ankara MP Mesut Doğan highlighted the economic difficulties faced by young people, claiming that 80% of university graduates are unable to find employment. DEM Party Hakkari MP Onur Düşünmez addressed the high suicide rates in Hakkari, stating, “These deaths are directly linked to unemployment, poverty, and a lack of future prospects. Explaining the problem solely through individual psychology is a cover-up.”
Criticism of Economic Performance and Budget Deficit
CHP Sakarya MP Ayça Taşkent stated that, according to 2024 budget figures, a deficit exceeding 2 trillion lira has occurred, arguing that the government’s “fiscal discipline” claims are empty. CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın criticized the fact that the share allocated to interest in the budget exceeds the budgets of eight ministries.
AK Party and CHP Clash Over Municipalities and Personal Wealth
AK Party Ankara MP Osman Gökçek accused the Istanbul and Ankara Metropolitan Municipalities of failing to keep their promises and alleged corruption. Responding to a question from CHP’s Gökhan Günaydın – “Where did you get that 400 million lira?” – Gökçek retorted, “I will follow you wherever you run.” AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Muhammet Emin Akbaşoğlu stated that his party thoroughly defended the budget in all areas.
“Shameless and Impudent”
İYİ Party MP Yüksel Selçuk Türkoğlu was met with the phrases “shameless and impudent” from an AK Party MP while speaking from the rostrum. Türkoğlu responded, “I return the sentiment. Incompetent man. You were made a manager, and you couldn’t even do that. Impudent. Get out of here.”
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