CHP official warns of rising school costs in Turkey

Ayten Gülsever, head of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Women's Branch, has raised concerns regarding the rising costs of the new academic year. During a press conference in Ankara, she reported that the total cost of starting school can reach up to 52,000 lira when accounting for stationery, uniforms, transportation, shoes, and nutrition. She noted that this figure is nearly double the projected 2026 net minimum wage.

Gülsever highlighted that families, particularly mothers, are being forced to cut food expenses or take on debt to meet these educational needs. She also pointed out that students' access to balanced nutrition is increasingly dependent on the daily allowance provided by their families, noting that basic canteen items like toast and ayran cost between 85 and 100 lira, which does not cover a truly healthy meal.

In response, Gülsever called upon the Ministry of National Education to fulfill promises regarding free education, free school meals, equality in educational opportunities, and the provision of free clean drinking water in schools.