Following Turkey's green light for Sweden's NATO membership, there is increased optimism for progress in Turkey-US relations, including the potential sale of F-16 military aircraft. The CAATSA sanctions imposed by the US due to Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems are expected to be a significant topic of discussion. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is in Washington for talks, which will include the seventh meeting of the Turkey-US Strategic Mechanism established in October 2021. Fidan's agenda includes emphasizing NATO alliance commitments, addressing Turkey's stance against terrorist organizations FETÖ and PKK-YPG, and seeking removal from CAATSA sanctions. Experts comment on the potential for a positive shift in US policy towards Turkey, the need for a compromise on the S-400 issue, and the implications of US sanctions on Russia for Turkey.

Öztürk Türkdoğan, the DEM Party's candidate for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, emphasized that their campaign for local elections will focus on 'freedom for Abdullah Öcalan' and 'democratic solutions to the Kurdish issue.' He stated that the government is well aware of their demands.

The CHP has taken the urban transformation law to the Constitutional Court, arguing that it disregards housing and property rights by granting expropriation authority to the Presidency under the pretext of disaster risk. The TMMOB Chamber of Civil Engineers also criticizes the law, claiming it is implemented in high land rent areas rather than where it is needed.

One year after the devastating Kahramanmaraş earthquake, victims' families express frustration over the slow pace of justice and lack of accountability for those responsible. Organized under the 'Adalet Peşinde Aileler' platform, they demand that all responsible parties, including contractors and government officials, be held accountable. The article highlights various individuals' calls for justice, emphasizing the need for comprehensive investigations and accountability for the tragedy's impact.

Bi Dünya Kıvılcım Derneği, an organization founded by Turkish professionals abroad, aims to unite Turks who have moved overseas for education or work under one roof. Inspired by the first generation of Turkish students sent abroad by the state during the Republic's early years, the organization seeks to transform the concept of 'brain drain' into 'brain power' by contributing to Turkey through joint projects. The organization is expanding its network beyond Germany to include professionals in Europe, the USA, Asia, and Australia. Despite the increasing trend of academics and researchers emigrating, particularly since 2014, and a decreasing tendency to return, the organization aspires to bridge the gap between Turkey and its intellectual diaspora, leveraging their expertise and experiences for Turkey's benefit.

Fans gathered at Anadolu Square in response to a call from CHP Ankara Provincial Presidency and marched to Anıtkabir to protest the events that led to the postponement of the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe Super Cup final, which was planned to be held in Riyadh. The protestors carried Turkish flags and Atatürk posters.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority's ban on 16 VPN service providers without a court order is seen as an indication of increasing pressure on freedom of expression ahead of local elections. According to Professor Akdeniz, a legal expert in information technology, this move suggests a growing suppression of free speech.

The Minimum Wage Determination Commission in Turkey, representing employers through the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK) and workers through TÜRK-İŞ, held its first meeting without discussing specific figures. The commission will reconvene on December 18. Unlike previous years, there is no mid-year adjustment planned for 2024 due to expected inflation reduction. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed optimism about decreasing inflation. Labor Minister Vedat Işıkhan emphasized setting a fair minimum wage that considers workers' living conditions. TİSK President Özgür Burak Akkol highlighted the need for tax adjustments. TÜRK-İŞ, with a delegation including four workers, stressed the importance of considering workers' living conditions and called for tax fairness. Workers expressed concerns about high living costs and insufficient wages, with some suggesting a minimum wage of 20,000 to 30,000 lira to cope with rising rents and living expenses.

The 'Great Retirement Rally' organized by the Revolutionary Workers' Unions Confederation (DİSK), Emekli-Sen, Emekliler Dayanışma Sendikası, and Tüm Emeklilerin Sendikası took place in Ankara. Retirees from various provinces gathered at Anıtpark, supported by unions, democratic mass organizations, and political parties. The rally featured a press statement outlining key demands for pension reform, including adjustments based on premium days and the enactment of an adjustment law, increasing monthly connection rates considering national income growth, reflecting the 8,077 lira given to civil servants to all retirees' pensions, and ensuring holiday bonuses are not less than the minimum wage. DİSK President Arzu Çerkezoğlu spoke at the rally, emphasizing the struggle against injustice and the right to a humane life in retirement, highlighting the plight of 10 million retirees trying to live on 7,500 lira pensions.

The Good Party has rejected the collaboration offer from the CHP's new leader, Özgür Özel, for the upcoming local elections, deciding to enter the March elections independently.

The spokesperson for the Equality and Democracy Party (HEDEP), Ayşegül Doğan, announced that the party is considering entering local elections across Turkey with its own candidates. This decision will be finalized by the Party Council in the future. HEDEP aims to win through a strategy of 'city consensus' and plans to use inclusive primaries to select candidates. The party's approach differs from its previous strategy of supporting the Republican People's Party (CHP) in major cities to defeat the ruling 'People's Alliance' (AKP-MHP). Political Science expert Prof. Dr. Gülgün Erdoğan Tosun commented on the potential impact of HEDEP's decision on voter behavior, especially among Kurdish voters in Istanbul.

In Turkey, the approach to minimum wage increases, which is a critical issue for workers, is being debated. The government has indicated that there will be no mid-year increase in 2024, citing inflation as the reason. This decision has sparked discussions on whether the approach is justified.

İYİ Parti has decided to reject CHP's proposal for cooperation in the upcoming 31 March 2024 local elections, opting to run independently. The decision was announced by İYİ Parti spokesperson Kürşad Zorlu, who emphasized the party's aim to present the best candidates to voters. Despite some internal discussions about potential exceptions for Ankara and Istanbul, the party's General Administrative Board (GİK) voted overwhelmingly to proceed without alliances. The article also highlights reactions from various party members and the broader political context, including the strategies of other major parties like AKP and MHP.

The Ankara 31st Civil Court of First Instance decided to remove the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Central Council from duty and take the first step towards appointing trustees, following a lawsuit initiated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. This legal action began after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli targeted the TTB in October 2022. The decision will be appealed to the Supreme Court, and if upheld, the elected TTB management will be replaced by trustees. The TTB and various political figures and professional organizations have expressed strong opposition to the decision, emphasizing their commitment to continue their struggle for health rights, democracy, and justice.

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) faces a legal decision to remove its Central Council and appoint trustees, a move that has sparked widespread reactions. The process began following criticisms from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli in October 2022. The 31st Civil Court of First Instance in Ankara ruled in favor of the action, which will be appealed to the Supreme Court. If upheld, the elected TTB management will be replaced by trustees. Statements from TTB, political figures, and professional organizations have condemned the decision, emphasizing the continuation of TTB's work and the struggle for health rights, democracy, and justice.

CHP leader Özgür Özel visited İYİ Party leader Meral Akşener to discuss potential cooperation in the upcoming local elections scheduled for March 31, 2024. Despite internal concerns about the formation of a commission for mayoral candidacies within the CHP, Özel is focusing on uniting the party and exploring alliances with the İYİ Party and the Kurdish political movement. Akşener has previously closed the door on alliances but now suggests a possible reevaluation. The CHP's strategy for the local elections involves respecting public expectations and considering current mayors' performances through surveys. A five-member commission has been formed to evaluate mayoral applications, and the CHP emphasizes transparent politics without associations with the PKK.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced that efforts to establish a field hospital in Gaza are progressing rapidly. A plane loaded with medical supplies departed for Egypt in the morning and will return with 26 patients and 24 companions for treatment in Turkey.

Women gathered in response to a call from the Ankara Women's Platform, uniting under the slogan 'Together against war, crisis, poverty, and male-state violence!' during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Mukaddes Angay of the KESK Women's Council read the protest statement, highlighting that 347 women were killed by male violence this year alone, accusing the government of protecting perpetrators and rewarding them with policies of impunity. Despite these challenges, surviving women face systematic targeting and unjust trials by the male judiciary. The statement also mentioned the human tragedy in the Middle East, the struggles of women in earthquake zones, and the conditions of students in Credit and Dormitories Institution dormitories.

Hundreds of women gathered in Ankara, despite the rain, to protest against war, crisis, poverty, and male-state violence, organized by the Ankara Women's Platform. The protest, part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, featured slogans against femicide and support for Palestine. Mukaddes Angay from the KESK Women's Assembly read a statement highlighting the government's protection of perpetrators and the systematic targeting of women by the judiciary. The protest also addressed issues in the Middle East, the struggles of women in earthquake-affected areas, and the conditions of students in dormitories.

The İYİ Party's capacity to fill the center-right void in Turkey's opposition is under scrutiny amid recent resignations and the upcoming local elections. Despite Meral Akşener's reinforced leadership, the party faces internal dissent and strategic challenges. Analysts Tanju Tosun and Evren Balta argue that the İYİ Party struggles to occupy the center-right space, with its nationalist stance limiting broader appeal. The party's internal conflicts and its position in the political landscape are critical as it navigates the pre-election period.

The urban transformation law in Turkey, granting the Presidency the authority to declare residential areas as reserve areas, has sparked controversy. The Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP) has challenged the law in the Constitutional Court, arguing it violates property rights and promotes rent-focused practices. The TMMOB İnşaat Mühendisleri Odası also expressed concerns about the law's potential for rent-focused urban transformation. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the 'Transformation of the Century' project in Istanbul, aiming to transform 350,000 housing units, with significant financial support for residents.

At the Republican People's Party's (CHP) 38th Ordinary Congress, a race for the Party Council (PM) seats ensued, with newly elected general chairperson Özgür Özel's key list facing opposition from Istanbul Deputy Oğuz Kaan Salıcı's candidate list. The PM consists of 60 members, with 8 from the Science Culture Art Platform (BKSP) selected from the general chairperson's 12-person list. The remaining 52 PM seats are contested by all candidates on an open list. The High Discipline Committee (YDK) has 11 members. The second day of the congress began with PM and YDK elections, which continued into the third day. The congress, which started under the leadership of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu with the theme

Ankara residents express satisfaction with the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Turkish Republic, particularly appreciating the military air shows by the Turkish Armed Forces and the torchlight procession events organized by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. They unanimously agree on the importance of celebrating the Republic.

The Turkish Presidency's proposal to approve Sweden's NATO membership is on the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee. Experts consulted by VOA Türkçe believe that Turkey will continue to be an important member of NATO and that the Turkish Parliament will give the green light to Sweden's membership.

Journalists accused of making nationalist posts about Syrian refugees were released after months of detention and will be tried without detention. The Ankara 7th Criminal Court of First Instance ruled that the journalists, including Serkan Kafkas and Süha Çardaklı, will face charges of inciting hatred, disinformation, and spreading misleading information. The decision was met with nationalist slogans in the courtroom. The case has drawn criticism from various political figures and organizations, who argue that the prosecution is an attack on freedom of speech and nationalism. The trial will continue on May 20, with further defenses to be presented.

Turkey's mediation efforts in the ongoing Middle East conflicts are viewed positively, with a focus on moving away from past positions related to the Muslim Brotherhood. The recent attacks between Israel and Gaza have brought Turkey's role in the region to the forefront. Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, are engaging in discussions with various countries and organizations, such as the Islamic Cooperation Organization in Jeddah. Experts and former diplomats, including those from the ruling Justice and Development Party and the opposition Republican People's Party, are supporting Turkey's measured and mediator stance. Concerns about Turkey's past foreign policy mistakes and its association with the Muslim Brotherhood are highlighted, with calls for a balanced approach to avoid being perceived as taking sides.

The main opposition party in Turkey, CHP, has officially entered a new era with Özgür Özel taking over as the new leader after defeating Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. The party's top management body, the Party Assembly, has also seen significant changes. Özel's leadership marks a shift in internal opposition dynamics, with Kılıçdaroğlu's supporters now forming the internal opposition. Özel's initial activities included visits to his hometown, the Constitutional Court, and the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), where he emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary respect and functionality. Kılıçdaroğlu, in his farewell, expressed his continued commitment to the party.

Özgür Özel, newly elected leader of CHP, met with 81 provincial organization heads to gather suggestions for the Party Assembly. The 38th Ordinary Congress marked the end of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's 13-year leadership. Despite initial resistance, Kılıçdaroğlu conceded after the second round of voting, where Özel secured 812 votes. Özel emphasized unity and preparation for the upcoming local elections in March 2024. He requested Party Assembly candidate lists from provincial heads, aiming for a diverse representation. The selection process for the 60-member Party Assembly and 15-member High Disciplinary Board concluded at 19:00.

Various civil society organizations in Ankara organized a march named 'Conscience Meeting for Gaza' to draw attention to the situation in Gaza. Participants, including the Palestinian Ambassador to Ankara, Faed Mustafa, carried symbolic injured and deceased figures. The march coincided with the deaths of 12 soldiers in Northern Iraq, leading to calls for a national mourning. The marchers called for a boycott of firms supporting Israel and urged Muslim countries to sever diplomatic and trade relations with Israel. The text also mentions the recent Israeli operations in Gaza following Hamas's attack on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and displacement.

A rally organized by Memur-Sen and HAK-İŞ in Ankara's Anıtpark, supported by various civil society organizations, protested against Zionism and expressed solidarity with Palestine. Memur-Sen's General President Ali Yalçın called for the United Nations to enforce decisions against Israel and for Zionists to be tried in the International Criminal Court. HAK-İŞ's General President Mahmut Arslan condemned Israel for committing crimes against humanity in Gaza. The rally was also attended by Palestine's Ambassador to Ankara, Faed Mustafa.

Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), stated the necessity of establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem, in line with the 1967 borders. This statement was supported by representatives of all political parties. The TBMM held a closed session to discuss the situation in Gaza amid the Israel-Palestine conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack. A joint declaration emphasized a two-state solution and criticized recent events as a result of 'unlawful occupation' by Israel. The TBMM called for the protection of civilians under all circumstances and invited all parties to exercise restraint and common sense.

Öztürk Türkdoğan, the DEM Party's candidate for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, emphasizes the party's ongoing demands for freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a democratic solution to the Kurdish issue. He criticizes the government's handling of these issues and highlights the party's strategy for the upcoming local elections. The DEM Party has fielded candidates in most districts of Ankara, except for a few where they support a broader 'urban consensus.' Türkdoğan also addresses the lack of a peace process and the strategic positioning of military personnel before elections. Gültan Kışanak, running from prison, is noted as a significant candidate, with her campaign being a first in Turkish history.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) is exhibiting a 'slow approval process' for Sweden's NATO membership despite the ruling AK Parti having sufficient votes to approve it. The Foreign Affairs Committee, led by AK Parti's Fuat Oktay, decided to delay further discussions. The committee includes members from various parties, with AK Parti and MHP showing a tendency to slow down the approval process. Opposition parties like İYİ Parti and HEDEP have expressed their reasons for opposing the protocol. The article also touches on the broader geopolitical context, including Turkey's relations with the U.S. and Sweden's efforts in counter-terrorism.

The main topic is the potential lack of an interim increase in Turkey's minimum wage for 2024, despite high inflation rates. The article discusses the roles of various organizations and individuals in the wage determination process, including the AKP government, TÜİK, ENAG, TİSK, Türk-İş, and DİSK. President Erdoğan and other stakeholders express differing views on the adequacy and frequency of wage increases. The article highlights concerns about the impact of inflation on workers and the political implications of wage policies ahead of the 2024 local elections.

Workers and retirees gathered in Ankara under the leadership of DİSK, demanding that the Ministry of Treasury and Finance adjust the taxation system to be proportional to income. The protest highlights issues of income inequality and calls for fairer tax policies.

The main focus is on the potential decision by the Turkish government to set a fixed minimum wage for 2024 without mid-year adjustments, contrary to the past two years. The article highlights the ongoing discussions and criticisms from various stakeholders, including labor unions and economists, regarding the impact of inflation on the minimum wage. President Erdoğan and the AKP government are scrutinized for their approach, with concerns that a single annual increase may not suffice in high inflation conditions. The article also covers the differing inflation rates reported by TÜİK and ENAG, and the potential political implications of the minimum wage decision ahead of the 2024 local elections.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the Turkish Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, who referred to religious sects and communities as 'civil society organizations' and announced continued collaboration with them. This has sparked debates about the erosion of secularism in education. Experts like Prof. Dr. Esergül Balcı and Education Union President Kadem Özbay express concerns about the increasing influence of religious organizations in the education system, which they argue is unconstitutional and detrimental to scientific and secular education. TÜSİAD and Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği also weigh in, highlighting the need for modern, secular education. The article underscores the broader implications of these policies for Turkey's future, suggesting a shift from enlightenment to darkness.

The article discusses the potential cooperation between Turkey's main opposition party, CHP, and the Kurdish political movement representative, DEM Party, in the upcoming local elections on March 31, 2024. It explores the possible accusations from AK Parti and MHP of terrorism links and the strategic implications for both parties. CHP leader Özgür Özel's recent meeting with DEM Party leaders is highlighted, along with the reactions and analyses from political experts. The article also examines the potential impact on voter behavior in key cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya, and the challenges CHP faces in communicating its strategy to both Kurdish and its own voters.

The first international half marathon in Ankara, Runkara, saw significant interest with nearly four thousand participants. The event featured categories for families, entertainment, challenges, and elite athletes. It started at Anıtpark and concluded in front of the ATO Congresium.

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, speaking at the 38th Ordinary Congress of CHP, announced he would not run for the party leadership again, expressing his intention to support the next leader. He reflected on the challenges faced during the presidential elections, indicating betrayal within the party. Kılıçdaroğlu criticized his rival Özgür Özel and the change faction, emphasizing loyalty and rejecting external influences on the party.

Political communication expert Suat Özçelebi highlights that CHP will face not only the ruling party but also İYİ Parti in its communication with Kurdish voters in the upcoming local elections. Public opinion researcher Roj Girasun suggests that if DEM Party fields its own candidates, AK Parti will be unable to use terrorism accusations as propaganda.

Women representatives and volunteers from rights organizations across Turkey visited the recently opened Turkish Parliament, voicing their opposition to potential constitutional and legal changes. They emphasized their commitment to preventing rights violations and maintaining gender equality and freedom.

The Constitutional Court of Turkey rejected the Republican People's Party's (CHP) request to annul the 'Disinformation Law,' which criminalizes the public dissemination of misleading information with penalties of one to three years in prison. Despite calls from press organizations and a silent protest by journalists, the court ruled 8-6 against the annulment. The decision has been met with significant criticism from various press organizations and journalists, who argue that it threatens media freedom and could lead to increased legal actions and pressure against journalists. CHP leader Özgür Özel and other stakeholders expressed their disappointment and concern over the ruling, emphasizing the need for the court to protect constitutional rights and media freedom.

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) is exhibiting a 'slow approval process' for Sweden's NATO membership despite the ruling AK Parti having sufficient votes to approve it. The Foreign Affairs Committee, led by AK Parti's Fuat Oktay, decided to continue discussions at a later date. The committee includes members from various parties, with AK Parti and MHP showing a tendency to delay the approval. Opposition parties like İYİ Parti and HEDEP have expressed their reasons for opposing Sweden's membership. The committee's decision to delay was influenced by a proposal from AK Parti members, and further information from Sweden and the US is being sought. The article highlights the political dynamics and procedural aspects within the TBMM regarding this issue.

Muharrem İnce, leader of the Memleket Partisi, denounces the decisions of the Yüksek Seçim Kurulu (YSK) regarding the candidacies of Haluk Bozdoğan and Yaşar Üremiş, claiming the YSK is politically biased and incapable of conducting fair elections. İnce criticizes both the ruling AK Parti and the main opposition CHP for their tactics and accuses the YSK of inconsistency and partiality. He protests the cancellation of his party's candidates' nominations and condemns the judiciary's involvement in these decisions.

CHP and DEM Party leaders met to discuss potential cooperation for the upcoming local elections on March 31, 2024. The meeting, held at CHP's headquarters, included discussions on the judicial crisis in Turkey and the controversial appointment of trustees to replace elected mayors. Both parties emphasized the importance of transparent and democratic processes in local governance. DEM Party leaders highlighted the need for consistent opposition to dual legal standards and expressed their commitment to supporting democratic and community-focused local governance. The meeting also addressed the situation of Can Atalay, a detained MP, and the broader implications of the judicial crisis.

Workers and retirees, led by the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DİSK), marched from Istanbul to Ankara demanding justice in income and taxation. DİSK General President Arzu Çerkezoğlu criticized the government's tax policies, which she claims disproportionately burden workers while sparing the wealthy and corporations. The protest received support from opposition political figures, including CHP General President Özgür Özel and HEDEP Deputy Co-Chair İbrahim Akın. Protestors shared personal stories of economic hardship, emphasizing the need for a fairer tax system.

Ayşe Ateş, the widow of former Ülkü Ocakları President Sinan Ateş, criticized the lack of progress in the investigation into her husband's murder, despite 22 people being detained. She called for swift justice, emphasizing that delayed justice is not justice. The investigation implicates several individuals, including former Ülkü Ocakları members and police officers. Ayşe Ateş appealed to high-ranking officials and the public for support, highlighting the emotional toll on her family and the broader implications for justice and security in Turkey.

The attack targeting the entrance of the Ministry of Interior in Ankara has sparked a debate involving current Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and former Minister Süleyman Soylu. Yerlikaya's response to the attack emphasized continued efforts against terrorism and organized crime, interpreted as a rebuttal to accusations of weakness. Social media accounts linked to Soylu criticized Yerlikaya, while CHP's Ali Mahir Başarır and Democratic Party's Cemal Enginyurt commented on the incident, highlighting the need for official explanations and criticizing the targeting of Yerlikaya.

Women's rights activists and representatives from across Turkey gathered at the Turkish Grand National Assembly to voice their opposition to potential constitutional and legal changes that could undermine gender equality and freedoms. The EŞİK platform, along with female members of opposition parties, expressed concerns over the ruling AKP's initiatives, including changes to family law and the involvement of the Directorate of Religious Affairs in marriage processes. They urged the opposition not to participate in these constitutional discussions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secular and equal rights for all women, regardless of their attire. The activists highlighted the potential negative impacts of these changes on women's rights and called for unity in defending secularism and equality.

CHP Istanbul Deputy Oğuz Kaan Salıcı, a member of the TBMM Foreign Affairs Committee, discussed the process of approving Sweden's NATO membership and the negotiations with the U.S. regarding the modernization of F-16 military aircraft, highlighting the mistakes made in these negotiations.

CHP, İYİ Parti, and HEDEP have announced that they will enter the upcoming local elections with their own candidates. The opposition parties are shifting towards a 'ballot box alliance' model, aiming to convince voters to support their respective candidates.

Meral Akşener, leader of İYİ Parti, admitted that the opposition parties and actors, including herself, were responsible for the election loss. She apologized for the shortcomings and acknowledged that the main issue was within their own ranks.

In Zonguldak, an investigation continues into the burning of an unconscious Afghan migrant worker at an illegal mine operated by a local MHP official. Civil society organizations in Ankara protested the incident, highlighting the dire conditions and treatment of workers and migrant workers.

A major rally organized by the Revolutionary Workers' Unions Confederation (DİSK) Emekli-Sen, Retirees Solidarity Union, and All Retirees Union took place in Ankara. Retirees from various provinces gathered at Anıtpark, supported by unions, democratic mass organizations, and political parties, to demand a living wage instead of a poverty wage.

The Turkish government and the Memur-Sen Confederation, representing civil servants and retirees, failed to reach an agreement on wage increases for 2024-2025. Memur-Sen protested the insufficient wage hikes, emphasizing that civil servants and retirees should not be subjected to inflation. The dissatisfaction is directed towards President Erdoğan for not fulfilling his promise to protect wages from inflation.

HEDEP is considering running its own candidates in local elections, including major cities. According to academic Prof. Dr. Gülgün Erdoğan Tosun, even if parties do not collaborate, voters may still converge on candidates they are satisfied with at the polls.

Minimum wage negotiations in Turkey, crucial for millions of workers in 2024, have commenced. TÜRK-İŞ announced that they will start the bargaining process at the hunger threshold for a family of four, set at 14,025 lira. There is an expectation on the streets for a figure that will provide a solution to livelihood concerns.

The 30th day of the strike at Sputnik Turkey's Ankara office saw renewed calls for the recognition of union rights, led by the Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası (TGS). The strike, supported by various political parties and civil society organizations, demands the reinstatement of 24 dismissed union members and the establishment of fair wages through collective bargaining. TGS criticized Sputnik Turkey for illegal and unethical actions, including hiring during the strike. The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) is reviewing complaints related to the dismissals. Journalist Ceyda Karan faced backlash for continuing her program during the strike and resigned from her column at BirGün newspaper.

Referee Halil Umut Meler, who was subjected to a physical attack involving punches and kicks, received support from his colleagues. Arda Kardeşler, one of the referees who visited Meler at the hospital in Ankara where he is receiving treatment, stated that they are not in a state to think about refereeing or football at the moment.

President Erdoğan declared that they will not forget the crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Gaza and will explore all avenues to hold the Israeli government accountable under international law. He referred to Netanyahu as the 'Gaza butcher'.

The Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası, along with civil society and professional organizations, has called on the Russia-based employer to comply with legal standards on the 30th day of the Sputnik Türkiye strike, which is being conducted to demand a collective bargaining agreement.

The World Cultures Festival, part of the 'Capital Culture Road' initiative by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, showcased the cultures, cuisines, dances, fashions, and music of 55 countries at the Ankara Cer Modern Cultural Center. The event, themed '100th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey and Gordion,' celebrated the inclusion of the ancient city of Gordion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The festival featured traditional dances, music performances, fashion shows, traditional food offerings, cultural talks, promotional videos, and films, all accessible to the public for free.

The article discusses the ongoing debate over the VPN ban in Turkey, highlighting concerns about communication freedom and internet censorship. Füsun Sarp Nebil, a technology expert, argues that the government's control over media and communication channels, including the recent VPN restrictions, aims to limit the public's access to information. The article also points out the lack of investment in fiber optic infrastructure and the control of major telecom companies by the government, suggesting that these measures are part of a broader strategy to control information flow ahead of the upcoming local elections.

Turgut Altınok, the Cumhur İttifakı's candidate for Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, criticized current mayor Mansur Yavaş for failing to address infrastructure issues, particularly the quality of drinking water. Altınok emphasized his plans for major infrastructure investments and criticized Yavaş for not utilizing Ankapark. He also highlighted his long political career and his commitment to clean governance. Altınok avoided criticizing former mayor Melih Gökçek and focused on his own plans to improve Ankara's infrastructure and public services.

The 'Photo Marathon' event, part of the Turkey Cultural Route Festival organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, brought together over 500 amateur and professional photographers in Ankara. Participants were free to use any camera, smartphone, or tablet to capture images based on three themes, including Ankara's streets and shop windows. The event featured a jury of notable photographers and a statement from documentary producer Coşkun Aral encouraging participants. The event, hosted by the Photography Organizations Association (FOTON), will also take place in Konya and Gaziantep.

Yenimahalle, a metropolitan district in Ankara, is a stronghold of the main opposition party CHP. The upcoming local elections see CHP's Fethi Yaşar, who has been in office for three terms, emphasizing experience and continuity. His main rival, Abdülkadir Aydoğan from AK Parti, focuses on youth and change, criticizing the current administration for being outdated. Various other parties, including MHP, DEM Parti, and İYİ Parti, are also fielding candidates. The article discusses the political landscape, candidate profiles, and campaign strategies, highlighting the competitive nature of the elections.

Özgür Özel, the Group Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), and former Party Assembly member Prof. Dr. Örsan Kunter Öymen have announced their candidacy for the CHP chairmanship at the party's 38th Ordinary Congress. Özel emphasized his aim to bring CHP, the party of Atatürk, to power, not just to win internal party leadership. The upcoming congress will focus on the leadership race following the defeat in the May 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections. Current CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has not stepped down, and there is a debate within the party about its role and future. Özel criticized the current CHP management and the Nation Alliance's cooperation model, while Öymen criticized both the current leadership and the change team supporting Özel's candidacy, advocating for a third path aligned with Atatürk's principles.

Approximately 4 million civil servants and 2.5 million retired civil servants in Turkey are protesting the government's salary increase offers. The protests, led by the Kamu Konfederasyonları Platformu and the Kamu Emekçileri Sendikaları Konfederasyonu (KESK), criticize the proposed wages as insufficient and below the poverty line. The unions demand higher wages and additional allowances, especially for those living in major cities. The government's initial and revised offers for 2024 and 2025 have been deemed inadequate by the unions. If no agreement is reached, the Kamu Görevlileri Hakem Kurulu will make the final decision by August 31.

The collective bargaining process that began on August 1 for approximately 4 million civil servants and 2.5 million retired civil servants continues with protests from public employees. The Public Confederations Platform, consisting of 9 civil servant confederations, and the Confederation of Public Employees' Trade Unions (KESK) separately protested the offers in front of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Religious minorities in Turkey, residing in the region hit by the early February earthquake, have suffered significant losses in terms of life and property, similar to other Turkish citizens. The earthquake has put the existence of these communities at risk.

Following the announcement of Turkey's first coronavirus case by the Turkish Health Ministry, there has been a surge in public demand for preventive supplies such as face masks and sanitizers. This report, filed by Umut Colak from Istanbul and Murat Karabulut from Ankara, highlights the resulting shortages and the rapid increase in prices for these items. The situation has led to concerns about the country's preparedness for a potential nationwide pandemic. Bezhan Hamdard provided the narration for the report.