Friendship, Equality and Peace Party condemns Spartakos call to ban Turkish language and headscarves at Gümülcine Hospital
In a written statement, the party said the proposal constitutes a direct attack on social peace and coexistence in the multicultural region of Western Thrace.
“Ban on Our Language and Faith Is Unacceptable”
The party condemned the letter sent by Spartakos members to hospital director Eleni Rofaela, which demanded that healthcare workers be prohibited from wearing headscarves and speaking Turkish during their duties.
According to the statement, such demands are incompatible with democratic values and fundamental rights.
“The attempt to impose bans on our language and faith is unacceptable,” the party said, stressing that the proposal undermines the principles of respect and coexistence within society.
Native Language Use in the Workplace
FEP also rejected the claim that healthcare workers communicating in their native language among themselves creates operational problems.
The party argued that, in modern democracies, respect for cultural and linguistic diversity should be seen as a source of morale and mutual respect in the workplace.
“A work environment where employees’ cultural identity is respected strengthens motivation and contributes positively to the quality of public services,” the statement said.
Reminder of Past Difficulties
The party further recalled the difficulties faced by members of the minority community in the past when they were unable to communicate their needs due to limited knowledge of Greek.
“For many years, our people were marginalized because they could not adequately express their needs in Greek,” the statement noted.
“Today, it is difficult to understand why anyone would be disturbed by minority patients being able to explain their health concerns to doctors in their own language and receive proper medical care.”
“Our Language and Faith Will Continue to Exist”
The statement concluded with a strong message emphasizing the enduring presence of the Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace.
“Our faith and our language are here, and they will continue to exist here,” the party declared.
The FEP Party also expressed confidence that the hospital administration would respond appropriately to the letter and take steps to protect social harmony in the region.
The controversy surrounding the Spartakos proposal has reignited debate over minority rights, linguistic freedoms, and religious expression in Western Thrace.
