# KTOEÖS opposition to education system reforms

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ktoes-opposition-to-education-system-reforms
> Updated: 2026-10-11T14:00:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 4.

The Cyprus Turkish Middle Education Teachers' Union (KTOEÖS) has raised significant concerns regarding the implementation of the full-day education system in northern Cyprus. The union has criticized the government for failing to meet necessary standards over the last three years, citing systemic issues such as inadequate staffing, insufficient budgets, and the use of container classrooms. KTOEÖS reported that 70% of schools have not been reinforced despite contributions to an earthquake fund. The union also highlighted a nearly 66% increase in peer bullying and violence over the past five years, alongside the rise of private schools and the declining mission of vocational high schools. Following the announcement of research reports, the union held a protest at Şehit Hüseyin Ruso Ortaokulu. KTOEÖS President Ahmet Karaoğulları criticized the sustainability of the model, noting that classroom densities often exceed 40 students when the ideal average is 23. A union survey indicated that over 90 percent of teachers are dissatisfied with the current full-day education model, citing concerns over uncontrolled population policies and language barriers. Escalating these tensions, teacher unions have announced strikes and work stoppages in response to ongoing shortages. KTOEÖS scheduled a strike for the afternoon of October 5 in schools across the Famagusta (Mağusa) region, citing a shortage of 65 teachers across 24 branches and safety concerns regarding earthquake reinforcements. KTOEÖS President Ahmet Karaoğulları characterized the Ministry of National Education’s full-day program as a “forced imposition” that ignores resource needs. Additionally, the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTÖS) announced work stoppages at the Girne Special Education and Vocational Training School on October 5 and October 8. KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş stated these actions respond to teacher shortages and improper staff reassignment, noting that 40 successful candidates for special education positions remain unappointed.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: KTOEÖS announces teacher strikes in Güzelyurt and Lefke

KTOEÖS teachers will hold an afternoon strike in Güzelyurt and Lefke schools, protesting teacher shortages, poor school infrastructure, and unresolved labor rights issues.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ktoes-announces-teacher-strikes-in-gzelyurt-and-lefke

### 2026-10-04: Teacher unions announce strikes in Mağusa and Girne over education shortages

Teacher unions KTOEÖS and KTÖS have announced strikes in Mağusa and Girne, protesting teacher shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and the Ministry of Education's new full-day program.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-turkish-psychologists-urge-review-of-religious-education-content

### 2026-10-01: KTOEÖS protests full-day education and overcrowded classrooms

KTOEÖS President Ahmet Karaoğulları protested full-day education in Cyprus, citing overcrowded classrooms of 40+ students and high teacher dissatisfaction.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ktoes-protests-full-day-education-and-overcrowded-classrooms

### 2026-09-28: KTOEÖS to release reports on education system concerns

The Cyprus Turkish Middle Education Teachers' Union will release reports criticizing the government's ‘fake’ full-day education system and highlighting severe school infrastructure and safety issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ktoes-to-release-reports-on-education-system-concerns

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Cite as: KTOEÖS opposition to education system reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ktoes-opposition-to-education-system-reforms