Eastern Mediterranean University leadership crisis

An administrative and political crisis has emerged at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) following a government proposal to remove the Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees, Şemi Bora, and member Turan Büyükyılmaz. The Council of Ministers cited disruptions in coordination and work processes as the basis for the proposed replacements, Anıl İmre and Hasan Esen. This move follows public criticism from Bora regarding the institution’s management.

The situation has led to allegations from the Academic Personnel Union (DAÜ-SEN) that the leadership changes are a result of political pressure to create new jobs and facilitate the disposal of university real estate ahead of elections. Minister of Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu has denied these claims, asserting that no new employment requests have been made and that no new staff have been hired at the university in three years. He further stated that the administration is committed to protecting university assets.

In addition to the leadership dispute, Şemi Bora has alleged that the university rectorate blocked his attempts to send an informational email to staff regarding the administrative deadlock. The DAÜ-SEN union is monitoring the situation and has indicated potential action if communication blockages continue.