Teachers' 'Republic and Labor March': Sectarianism divides

Teachers participating in the rally chanted slogans such as "Freedom, equality, fraternity," "Secular, scientific, democratic education," "We are the teachers of Mustafa Kemal," "This is just the beginning, the struggle continues," and "The Republic forever." The rally was supported by various non-governmental organizations, unions, and CHP deputies.

STRUGGLE AGAINST DARKNESS AND LAWLESSNESS

According to the report on Nefes.com.tr, Eğitim-İş General President Kadem Özbay emphasized that they are fighting against darkness and lawlessness in the march they started with the demand for justice in education and the country. Sending a message of unity, Özbay said, "Those who are here today are with us not only in this square but all across the country."

"SECTARIANISM DIVIDES"

Stating that secularism is a principle that unites society, Özbay said, "The Republic is a contract established through the people's struggle for freedom and equality. However, today, the Parliament has reached a point where it is liquidating these revolutions. Yet, the Republic guarantees individual freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of religion. Secularism is the guarantee for everyone, and the nightmare of exploiters."

"MERIT IS DISREGARDED"

Criticizing the AKP government's education policies, Özbay said, "While education is being reactionary, public employees and workers are being condemned to poverty. Merit is disregarded, and young people are becoming unemployed graduates." Drawing attention to inequalities in education and working life, Özbay stated, "We are now facing a Turkey where receiving an education, specializing, and working hard are no longer enough." Emphasizing that the rights of teachers and laborers are being usurped, Özbay added, "They stole our dream of a livable retirement and our right to provide secular and scientific education to our students. But we have not remained silent, we are not silent, and we will not be silent."

"IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR SECTS TO BE WITHIN THE STATE"

Emphasizing that the state is failing to fulfill its constitutional duties and is turning a blind eye to parallel structures, Özbay stated, 'It is unacceptable to allow sects to take root within the state under the guise of so-called non-governmental organizations.' Underlining that the state must protect a secular and democratic structure, Özbay added, 'We are the teachers of Mustafa Kemal, and our struggle will continue.'

"WE ARE ALL BEING ROBBED TOGETHER"

In his speech, United Public-Work Confederation General President Orhan Yıldırım drew attention to economic injustice, stating that the wealth produced by the people is being handed over to only certain segments. Asserting that public resources must be distributed fairly to the public, Yıldırım said, 'We are all being robbed together. Thieves are taking money from our pockets. However, as laborers, farmers, and producers, we will hold them accountable.'

QUOTE FROM İnce Memed

CHP Deputy Chairman Suat Özçağdaş, who supported the rally, also criticized the current government's policies in his speech and stated that change is inevitable. Quoting from the famous author Yaşar Kemal's work 'İnce Memed,' Özçağdaş said, 'Which day have you seen that did not turn into evening? Which night have you seen that did not turn into morning? You will go, Justice and Development Party, you will go.'

The rally concluded with calls to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and the Republic.

News Source: 12punto