Zeybek slams Government in Parliament: “Pressure on Minority, destruction in education, and state-imposed religious trade!”
Hüseyin Zeybek, Member of Parliament for Xanthi (İskeçe), delivered a fierce speech in the Greek Parliament, condemning the government's discriminatory policies toward the Western Thrace Turkish Minority and its increasingly authoritarian approach to education reform. Zeybek’s remarks strongly criticized both the so-called "education reforms" and the long-standing injustices against minority rights.
“No Elections for the Minority, Only Appointments: A Junta-Era Mentality”
Zeybek accused the government of using the 150-article “sweeping bill” to tighten control over the education system:
“Previously, you excluded 30,000 students from higher education under the pretext of a minimum entry score. Now, you are criminalizing students and creating a regime of silence. This targets not just academic freedom but the very future of society.”
However, his central focus was the continued discrimination against the Turkish Minority of Western Thrace.
“Failed Religious Instructor System Must Not Be Imposed on Alevis and Bektashis”
Zeybek denounced the government's push to impose a separate legal status on the Alevi–Bektashi community:
“This initiative seeks to bring a centuries-old religious tradition under state control. It disregards the religious rights enshrined in the Lausanne Treaty. Moreover, community leaders will be appointed for three-year terms instead of being elected. This is blatantly anti-democratic.”
He also harshly criticized the plan to extend the controversial Ierodidaskaloi (state-appointed religious instructors) system to Alevi–Bektashi communities:
“This system has failed and was rejected by the minority. Now you want to impose this failed model again—it's irrational. Its only purpose is to create paid posts for party loyalists.”
No Democracy in Foundations, No Recognition of Mufti Elections
Zeybek’s criticism further targeted:
The lack of elections in religious foundation boards, which are instead filled by appointees.
The state's ongoing refusal to recognize community-elected muftis, while only acknowledging state-appointed ones.
The non-implementation of European Court of Human Rights rulings on minority associations, violating rule-of-law principles.
Double Standards in Education: Rotting School Buildings, Replaced Locks
Zeybek drew attention to the dire condition of Xanthi’s Minority Middle and High School:
“A symbolic €37,000 renovation budget was allocated for a 19th-century building. This is not a school, it’s a ruin. The real solution is to build a new school. Instead, you change the locks because you’re disturbed by the elected School Board.”
He emphasized that while pro-government mayors are being given control over minority schools, elected School Boards are being obstructed, constituting a direct violation of democratic governance.
Zeybek’s Clear Message to the Government: “Respect the Minority, End the Appointments”
Zeybek concluded his speech with a strong call to action:
“While the minority demands transparency, meritocracy, and democracy, you still operate under the spirit of the 1967 junta. You show no respect for faith or education. Recognize the authority of the elected School Boards, prioritize elections over appointments. Return to democracy, equality, and the rule of law.”
