Gamze Akkuş İlgezdi: Turkey's Education System Has Become a New 'Livelihood Bottleneck' for Families

Following the conclusion of the university entrance exam (YKS) marathon in Turkey, Gamze Akkuş İlgezdi, Deputy Chair of the Republican People's Party, issued a stern statement examining the economic situation of students and their families. She emphasized that the education system, which should be a tool for social mobility, has now become a heavy burden on household economies [1].

Free Education; A Dream Out of Reach İlgezdi noted in her remarks that even being accepted into state universities no longer means free education. She pointed out that side costs, including housing, transportation, nutrition, and stationery, have increased so much that many families cannot afford them [2]. According to the MP, "The students' problem does not end with the announcement of exam results; rather, it is just the beginning of a new chapter of debt and financial pressure for parents."

Class Gap and Livelihood Crisis Recent economic reports show that the poverty line in Turkey has reached unprecedented figures in 2026 [3]. Citing this living situation, İlgezdi warned that education is becoming a luxury item that only the wealthy classes can fully benefit from. She said: "Families who make every sacrifice for their children's future are now caught between the two blades of the scissors of hope and debt" [1]. This situation has seriously called into question the principle of "equality of opportunity" in the Turkish Constitution.

Necessity of Structural Reforms in the Education System The CHP representative called for a return to the principles of the "welfare state" and emphasized that the government must take responsibility for students' basic costs. She proposed that direct subsidies for student housing and free nutrition in schools and universities be implemented immediately to prevent students from dropping out due to poverty [2]. İlgezdi concluded by emphasizing that without establishing educational justice, sustainable development in Turkey will not be possible, and the current system will only lead to the reproduction of poverty in future generations.