Parliament has approved the bill endorsing the Famagusta Theological College Construction Project Protocol with a majority vote from government benches, following an intense and at times contentious debate. The Republican Turkish Party (CTP) voted against the measure, arguing that the protocol is unconstitutional and undermines state authority in education.
Opposition MPs sharply criticized the protocol, describing it as politically and legally flawed. CTP MPs Fazilet Özdenefe, Sami Özuslu, Şifa Çolakoğlu, and Devrim Barçın argued that the agreement “disempowers” the Ministry of National Education, lacks any needs assessment, and was drafted without public consultation. They accused the government of being increasingly disconnected from society. Independent MP Ayşegül Baybars also condemned the bill, calling it “disrespectful to the Constitution and the state.”
In response, UBP MP Sunat Atun and Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu rejected the criticisms, saying the objections were intended to “polarize the public based on religion.” They insisted that the school would operate under full state authority and Ministry oversight. Pointing to demand for theological education, Çavuşoğlu referenced the example of the Hala Sultan Theological College in Haspolat.
Following roughly three hours of debate, the bill was passed with 27 votes in favor and 9 against, officially entering into law.
