National Assembly in July: Youth Issues Factsheet
This information note summarizes the prominent themes, discussions, and key data related to youth in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) for the month of July, based on the officially published parliamentary transcripts. During July, youth-related topics were discussed a total of 52 times in Parliament. A notable point in this report is that, although Parliament was expected to recess on July 1 under normal circumstances, it remained in session until July 20 due to a heavy legislative agenda, the need to finalize critical bills, and complete significant regulations, as decided by the General Assembly.
The most frequently discussed topic in July was youth poverty/unemployment. In addition, following the announcement of results for the high school and university entrance exams, opposition MPs criticized the low quality of education in Türkiye.
Key Themes
Youth Poverty/Unemployment: Youth poverty and unemployment were brought to the parliamentary agenda a total of 13 times during July. MPs linked issues such as young people being unable to continue their university education or get married to their economic hardship.
By party:
- CHP: 4 times
- İYİ Party: 4 times
- DEM Party: 2 times
- Felicity (Saadet) Party: 2 times
- DEVA Party: 1 time
Low Quality of Education: The inability to maintain a standard level of quality in education, as well as the management of academia lacking merit and autonomy, were discussed 9 times in the TBMM. In addition, suspicions surrounding the results of the high school entrance exam (LGS) were also raised in connection with youth issues 5 times (2 CHP, 3 AKP).
By party:
- CHP: 3 times
- Felicity (Saadet) Party: 3 times
- DEM Party: 1 time
- İYİ Party: 1 time
- Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP): 1 time
Other Notable Topics: MPs from provinces that are not metropolitan municipalities raised concerns 4 times (all CHP) about the migration of young people to major cities due to lack of employment opportunities in their hometowns.
The issue of drug use among youth, which was the most frequently discussed topic in June, remained on the agenda in July as well, with 6 mentions (2 DEM Party, 1 CHP, 1 İYİ Party, 1 DEVA, 1 HÜDAPAR).
Representatives of the youth movement who were killed in Suruç in 2015 were commemorated 6 times in Parliament (5 DEM Party, 1 CHP), with calls made to pursue justice against those responsible.
Notable Data
Youth-related topics were brought up 52 times in the Turkish Grand National Assembly during the month of July. By party:
- CHP: 19 times
- DEM Party: 11 times
- İYİ Party: 8 times
- Felicity (Saadet) Party: 6 times
- AKP: 3 times
- DEVA Party: 3 times
- HÜDAPAR: 1 time
- Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP): 1 time
The MP who spoke most frequently on youth issues in July was Ali Mahir Başarır (CHP), with 3 speeches.