CHP Leader Visits Teachers on Hunger Strike, Criticizes Government

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel visited teachers in Ankara who have begun a hunger strike to protest the interview process for teaching positions. The teachers, gathered under the umbrella of the "Platform for Teachers Victimised by Interviews" and the "Private Sector Teachers' Union," were on the third day of their protest outside the union's headquarters.

During his visit, Özel strongly criticized the government's actions, stating, "Last month, they were not letting those who wanted their fair share of sweat into Ankara. Now, they are not allowing teachers to seek their rights." He condemned the perceived effort to "imprison this struggle on a sidewalk in front of the union" to prevent visibility for the "struggle of their mothers, wives, and children," calling it "a great shame."

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Last month, they were not letting those who wanted their fair share of sweat into Ankara. Now, they are not allowing teachers to seek their rights. They are imprisoning this struggle on a sidewalk in front of the union to prevent the struggle of their mothers, wives, and children from being visible. This is a great shame.

Özel reminded the public of promises made during the 2023 elections, where the CHP advocated for the abolition of the interview system. He recalled President Erdoğan's statement that the interview system would be removed, noting that this promise has not been kept. "Every opportunity they get, they interfere with the rights-seeking struggles of these people, calling them 'provocation' or 'marginal groups,'" Özel stated, highlighting the government's response to those demanding their rights.

The teachers' hunger strike highlights ongoing dissatisfaction with the current appointment system, which they argue is unfair and lacks transparency. Their protest aims to draw attention to the need for reform and the fulfillment of promises made by the government regarding the elimination of the interview requirement for teacher appointments.

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The opposition said in the 2023 elections that we would abolish the interview when we came to power. And Mr. Erdoğan said that we are also abolishing the interview. And they did not abolish it. Every opportunity they get, they interfere with the rights-seeking struggles of these people, calling them 'provocation' or 'marginal groups.'