2026 budget sparks debate on women's rights: Women's right to life rejected by AKP and MHP votes

During the 2026 budget negotiations in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), motions rejected by the votes of the AKP and MHP faced intense criticism from women's rights advocates and opposition parties. Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy Chair Aylin Nazlıaka described this situation as "a rejection of the right to life for women, children, and the poor."

Nazlıaka criticized the labeling of social support for divorced women with children as "unnecessary," the disregard for the need for shelters for women fleeing violence, and the characterization of internet access for poor households as a "luxury." Condemning the view that grants for women's entrepreneurship and cooperatives are "waste," Nazlıaka stated, "What was rejected in this Parliament was not just motions, but the right to life for women, children, and the poor."

We Will Stop Femicide Platform (KCDP) İzmir Provincial Representative Tülin Osmanoğulları also voiced her criticisms regarding the budget. Stating that women are systematically ignored, Osmanoğulları said, "This is not negligence; it is a conscious choice. With this budget, women are being condemned to hunger, poverty, and violence."

Osmanoğulları emphasized that femicides and suspicious female deaths are a result of the government's policies on women. She further noted that the rejection of the demand for free internet directly affects women and children. Stating that "even KADES does not work without internet," Osmanoğulları also criticized the lack of support for women's cooperatives.

Nazlıaka also shared the CHP's roadmap regarding policies for women. She stated that regular social support would be provided to divorced women with children, women's shelters would be made accessible in every province, and the internet would be viewed as a fundamental public right. Increasing women's employment and supporting women's cooperatives with robust grants are also among the plans.

In conclusion, the 2026 budget has sparked serious debates on women's rights and social justice. Opposition parties and women's rights advocates argue that the budget is far from protecting women and children.

News Source: 12punto