Metin Atan: “We Will Not Join Actions That Turn into Hostility Against Turkey”

Speaking on Hakikat TV, Atan commented on the controversial regulation change that has sparked public outrage and protests in recent weeks.

Evaluating the protests and KAMUSEN’s stance, Atan said: “Our position on secularism remains unchanged. We have come this far with Atatürk’s principles and reforms, and we are not against the headscarf. In recent days, some actors have tried to shift the issue in another direction. Statements about ‘occupation’ are being made. We have never had and will never have any problems with Turkish Cypriots or citizens from Turkey. This has always been our stance. Some politicians are deliberately provoking this issue. We cannot remain in this position. We will support the protests only up to a certain point, but we will not be part of any demonstrations that are directed against the Republic of Turkey or its citizens. We have made this clear to our colleagues as well.”

“Reacting Is One Thing, Spreading Hostility Against Turkey Is Another”

Atan emphasized that the issue has been manipulated: “The public frustration has grown. Within our own ranks, there are both supporters and opponents of this stance. Let’s be clear: we do not seek anyone’s permission to take a stand. Of course we will criticize and express our reaction. But one must distinguish between voicing criticism and engaging in hostility toward Turkey and Turkish nationals.”

“The Prime Minister Has Not Kept His Promise”

Atan also said that the main issues facing the country are being overshadowed by artificial debates: “What happened to the minimum wage issue? Regarding the employment rights of temporary workers, the Prime Minister had made a promise before the last holiday. Now another holiday is approaching and still no progress has been made. I have been trying to contact the Prime Minister for three days, but he is unreachable. We are a union, they are the government — this is not about personal disputes. They must fulfill their responsibilities. He needs to make a public statement because he gave his word. We spoke with the relevant bureaucrats, and now we’re being told that the Personnel Department is not in favor. What does that even mean? The Prime Minister says do it, and his subordinates refuse? On the one hand, the government boasts about implementing projects; on the other, promises are broken. What we are asking for will not place any additional financial burden on the state — these workers are already receiving salaries. We are only asking for legal protection of their employment rights.”

“They Say There Is No Money, Yet They Are Hiring at the Parliament”

Atan concluded by criticizing the government’s budgetary priorities: “They claim there’s no money and the country is in crisis, but numerous new hires have been made at the Parliament. If there’s no money, how are these positions being filled? They bypass the bureaucracy for those appointments, but for everything else, there’s no budget. Enough is enough.”