National Assembly in December: Youth Issues Factsheet

This briefing note is based on data compiled from speeches delivered in the Plenary of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) in December 2025, in which members of parliament addressed youth and issues that directly concern young people. December is generally busier in the GNAT than other months due to the budget negotiations for all ministries. The responsible minister, Osman Aşkın Bak, was also present in the Plenary on 12 December, when the budget of the Ministry of Youth and Sports was debated, and on 20 December, the day of the general budget. Although the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ budget is related—by virtue of its scope—to the Ministries of National Education and of Family and Social Policies, it was not discussed on the same day as those ministries.

Opposition MPs criticized the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ budget for not being sufficiently youth-oriented. They frequently referred to the inadequacy of KYK scholarships and loans and to the economic difficulties faced by young people. They also emphasized that the ministry’s policies and activities have become politicized and are not implemented fairly, and that its centers are not inclusive. In total, 37 different opposition MPs took the floor on youth-related problems, mentioning these issues 92 times overall. AKP and MHP MPs also took the floor seven times in response, speaking about the value the state places on young people and the effectiveness of the policies in place.

Key Themes

In December 2025, the problems faced by young people were mentioned a total of 92 times in the GNAT under the youth agenda. The most frequently raised issue was youth poverty/unemployment. This was followed by NEET youth (young people not in education or employment), the inadequacy of KYK scholarships/loans and dormitory capacity, and the problems of drug use and gambling.

Youth Poverty / Unemployment: Opposition MPs stated that young people have lost hope, cannot make ends meet, and struggle with unemployment even after completing university. MPs emphasized that the government should take responsibility on this issue. Overall, this topic was raised 18 times. By party, it was mentioned:

6 times by DEM Party,
5 times by CHP,
3 times by the Saadet Party,
2 times by the İYİ Party,
and once each by DEVA Party and HÜDAPAR MPs.

Youth Not in Education or Employment (NEET): NEET youth—young people who are neither in education nor in employment—were brought up 11 times in the Plenary of the GNAT. MPs used NEET statistics to illustrate young people’s situation (with variations in the figures they cited) and frequently compared these rates with those of European countries. By party, the issue was raised:

4 times by CHP,
3 times by the Saadet Party,
3 times by the İYİ Party,
and 1 time by DEM Party.

Inadequacy of KYK Scholarships/Loans and Dormitory Capacity; Student Housing Problem: In the GNAT, MPs raised concerns that the capacity of state dormitories is insufficient relative to the number of students. It was argued that young people who cannot stay in state dormitories are either forced to rely on dormitories run by foundations and religious communities or are left with no choice but to face high rental prices. MPs also emphasized that KYK scholarships have lost their value due to inflation and no longer provide meaningful purchasing power for students. The issue of KYK scholarships/loans and insufficient dormitory capacity was discussed 10 times in the Plenary throughout December. In addition, young people’s housing problem was mentioned 3 times, and the quality of KYK dormitories was brought up 2 times. By party, KYK scholarships/loans and dormitory inadequacy were raised:

5 times by CHP,
2 times by the İYİ Party,
and once each by the Saadet Party, DEVA Party, and HÜDAPAR MPs.

Drug Use / Gambling Problem: Opposition MPs stated that the government has been inadequate in combating addiction among young people, particularly drug use and gambling. This issue was raised a total of 10 times in December 2025 in the GNAT. By party, it was brought up:

3 times by the Saadet Party,
3 times by CHP,
2 times by the DEVA Party,
2 times by DEM Party,
and 1 time by the İYİ Party.

Conclusion

December 2025 was a busy month in the GNAT due to the budget negotiations. Opposition MPs most frequently spoke about young people’s economic difficulties and anxieties. In contrast, AKP and MHP MPs, along with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Aşkın Bak, emphasized the value placed on young people, the investments made, and the defense industry. While they argued that the budget is sufficient for youth, opposition MPs found it inadequate in quantitative terms and also stressed that it is neither spent fairly nor in an inclusive manner.