Turkey education costs and Mersin infrastructure face parliamentary scrutiny

Rising costs of school supplies and infrastructure concerns in Mersin have become focal points in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. CHP Mersin Deputy Gülcan Kış highlighted the economic burden on families, noting that basic stationery needs for a first-grade student can reach approximately 7,000 Turkish Liras when including clothing, shoes, and transportation. This figure represents nearly a quarter of the current minimum wage.

Field research in Ankara indicates that a basic basket of essential stationery items costs around 2,500 Liras, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 25% to 32%. While some items like watercolor sets have seen price decreases, others such as notebooks and backpacks have risen significantly. Prices also vary widely depending on the retailer, with stationery shops and supermarket chains offering different rates for the same products.

In addition to economic concerns, Kış has submitted a parliamentary inquiry to Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin regarding the educational infrastructure in Mersin. The inquiry seeks data on the number of classrooms, teacher shortages by branch and district, and the prevalence of overcrowded classrooms containing more than 40 students. The deputy also requested information on the number of schools requiring double-shift education and the planned timeline to address these needs.