The Economy, Finance, Budget, and Planning Committee of the TRNC Assembly approved the Ministry of National Education budget of 16.7 billion TL and the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) budget of 6.57 billion TL, both with majority votes. The EMU budget, initially proposed at a lower figure, was increased by 210 million TL following discussions.

EMU Budget Discussion Highlights

EMU Rector Hasan Kılıç provided details on cost-saving measures, including adjustments in retirements, part-time education, and group mergers, emphasizing that projections should account for potential increases in student numbers. Minister Nazım Çavuşoğlu, while advocating support for EMU, highlighted the need for the university to take proactive financial measures and proposed a budget increase, stating that EMU would generate 250 million TL in resources.

Finance Minister Özdemir Berova expressed agreement with Minister Çavuşoğlu's proposal, emphasizing the importance of savings in public finance.

EMU Board President Erdal Özcenk addressed challenges in staff recruitment and promotional strategies, noting that the new administration was implementing targeted efforts in international promotion.

CTP MP Erkut Şahali voiced concerns over a steady decline in EMU’s financial stability, attributing responsibility to the ruling UBP and calling for collective efforts to save the university. Despite these appeals, CTP representatives abstained from supporting the EMU budget, criticizing past populist policies.

Following discussions, the EMU budget was approved by a majority vote. The Ministry of National Education budget, previously debated, was also passed.

Next Discussions: Ministry of Finance and YÖDAK Budgets

The committee will next deliberate the Ministry of Finance budget of 68.97 billion TL, the Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation, and Coordination Board (YÖDAK) budget of 62.87 million TL, and the Revenue Budget. These discussions will finalize the 2025 Central State Government Budget Bill.