Turkish Police Block Union Protest at Parliament During Budget Debate

Police in Ankara stopped a group of public sector union members from reaching the national parliament building on Tuesday. The workers had gathered to make a statement about Turkey's proposed 2026 national budget. Their protest was planned for in front of the Dikmen Gate of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Officers set up a barricade to prevent the union members from approaching the parliament entrance. The demonstrators were not allowed to get close to the building. The action was part of wider demonstrations across Turkey. Unions affiliated with the United Public-İş Confederation are holding protests to voice their opinions on the budget, which is currently under discussion by lawmakers.