Why daycare centers are becoming new political battleground in Türkiye

The controversy surrounding municipalities’ authority to operate daycare centers has taken on a legal and political dimension in Türkiye. The Ministry of National Education (MEB) recently issued a warning letter to municipalities, instructing them to halt unauthorized preschool activities.

The ministry cited violations of the Private Educational Institutions Law (Law No. 5580) and referenced a 2007 Constitutional Court ruling that denies municipalities the authority to establish preschools. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, criticized the government’s directive, emphasizing the crucial role municipal daycare centers play in addressing societal needs, arguing that the move is not merely a legal measure but an attempt to curtail essential services provided by municipalities.

With many such facilities already in operation, Republic and People’s Party (CHP) figures like Imamoglu and Ozel have employed pointed rhetoric, seemingly aimed at further creating public discontent by escalating the debate.

Background

The widespread comments suggesting that the government is uncomfortable with the opposition gaining political points from well-functioning daycare centers.

Battle over terminology: daycare vs. preschool

The ministry’s letter alleges that certain centers, labeled as “daycare centers,” were conducting activities resembling preschool education programs. It cites constitutional limitations on municipalities’ involvement in early childhood education, reminding them of the 2007 ruling.

Central to the dispute is the distinction between daycare centers and preschools, which operate under different regulations. Daycare centers, regulated by the Ministry of Family and Social Services, provide care for children aged 0–2 and are not authorized to offer educational programs.

Kindergartens, on the other hand, cater to children aged 36-66 months and are exclusively overseen by the MEB. The ministry argues that municipal daycare centers must not operate educational programs under any circumstances. Minister Tekin sought to clarify that the directive applied to preschools offering educational programs under the guise of daycare centers. However, Imamoglu quickly countered this claim by sharing the ministry’s official letter on X (formerly Twitter).

“The minister says it’s not about daycare centers, yet the official letter explicitly mentions daycare centers right from the first line,” Imamoglu wrote. He added that the letter’s language implied a broader crackdown on all daycare operations by municipalities.

“If you lay a hand on the daycare centers for the children of the poor, we will confront you. Go ahead and try to close them; I dare you!” asserted Ozgur Ozel, CHP Secretary-General on X.

Opposition’s response: ‘Blow to social services‘

Reacting strongly to the ministry’s directive, opposition figures from the CHP Party labeled the move as an attempt to stifle social services provided by local governments. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and CHP leader Ozgur Ozel argued that closing these daycare centers would harm public needs and serve political motives.

“By providing social services like daycare, we aim to support low-income families. This initiative will not stop,” stated Ozel during a televised speech. Imamoglu, adopting a bold tone, said, “Your warning means nothing to us. If you think you can close these centers, go ahead and try.”

Ministry’s stance: ‘Daycare centers must stay within their scope‘

The government argues that municipalities’ daycare operations lack a legal basis. Minister of Education Yusuf Tekin clarified that these centers are permitted to provide care services but are not authorized to engage in educational activities. Tekin emphasized that the ministry’s directive was a legal warning, not a closure order. “The MEB has jurisdiction over education for certain age groups, and any organization providing such services must comply with our regulations,” Tekin stated. He also accused the opposition of “manipulating” the situation for political gain.

Through media outlets and comments from government deputies, the ruling party has pointed to a 2007 Constitutional Court ruling, arguing that it supports their stance that municipalities cannot establish preschools. This ruling came after a legal challenge brought by the CHP, making the party’s current opposition to the decision particularly notable, as it is now opposing its own initiative in the past.

Part of broader political struggle

The availability of affordable preschool education remains a significant challenge in Türkiye, as state-run options continue to impose fees that strain family budgets. A key pillar of Ekrem Imamoglu’s social policy agenda has been the expansion of municipal daycare centers, a promise he first made during his 2019 campaign.

The issue, however, is not just an educational concern but also a reflection of the broader power struggle between Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and opposition parties, particularly in municipalities governed by the opposition. The tension is most pronounced in cities like Istanbul and Ankara, where local governments often clash with central authority over resource allocation and governance autonomy.

Analysts argue that the daycare centers debate is emblematic of a wider political conflict, with accusations that the AK Party is using regulatory measures to undermine opposition-led municipalities.

Amid this backdrop, even the smallest issues between Mayor İmamoğlu, known for not shying away from expanding his authority with new initiatives, and government coalition figures can quickly escalate into major debates.