Common sense and crisis management: Turkey's impasse

As Turkey struggles with a deepening economic crisis and problems in other areas in recent years, the fundamental shortcomings in crisis management have become even more apparent due to the failure to implement the norms of democracy and the rule of law. The inability of the government and the opposition to develop a common sense approach to crises increases social unrest and leads to problems being trapped in an unsolvable cycle.

THE DECLINE OF DEMOCRACY AND LAW 

The rule of law and democracy are a country's strongest shield against crises. However, it is evident that this shield has been eroding in Turkey for a long time. While transparency and accountability become even more important, especially during periods of economic crisis, the government's way of managing these processes has damaged public trust. The inefficient use of public resources, lack of meritocracy, and the prioritization of political interests cause crises to deepen rather than be resolved.

On the opposition front, there are significant shortcomings in producing common sense and developing effective policies. An opposition that cannot offer concrete solution proposals instead of just criticizing the government struggles to gain the public's trust. This deficiency prevents the formation of a dialogue environment that could play a key role in resolving crises.

SMEAR CAMPAIGNS AGAINST OPPOSITION MUNICIPALITIES 

In recent years, smear campaigns against opposition municipalities have stood out as one of Turkey's greatest weaknesses in crisis management. While local governments are expected to effectively provide services that touch the daily lives of the public, leaving them to face political obstruction and unfair criticism causes problems not only at the local level but also at the national level. This situation contributes to the polarization of society by deepening political division.

The problems experienced in municipalities cannot be explained solely by the political tension between the government and the opposition. The real problem stems from the fact that laws and legal regulations are not implemented in an impartial, fair, and effective manner. If the oversight and regulations on local governments could be applied independently of political calculations, equality could be ensured between both government and opposition municipalities, and problems that directly affect the lives of the public could be eliminated.

The obstacles faced by local governments while providing their services are further aggravated by the arbitrary use of legal processes. Yet, the constitutional and legal framework stipulates that the same rules should apply to all municipalities. The correct implementation of laws makes it easier for local governments to work for the public and minimizes political divisions. In this context, the solution to the problems in municipalities will be possible through the establishment of the rule of law rather than the government-opposition conflict.

THE NECESSITY OF COMMON SENSE 

For Turkey to overcome its current problems, it is essential to develop a healthy dialogue and common sense between the government and the opposition. Fundamental issues such as the economic crisis, natural disasters, education, and health must be handled with an approach that transcends politics. However, the government's rhetoric that alienates the opposition and the ineffectiveness of the opposition make it difficult to realize this necessity.

Developing common sense is not only a political necessity but also a social obligation. Turkey's exit from all crises is possible by strengthening democracy again, making the rule of law functional, and developing unifying policies instead of division. For this, the government and the opposition must prioritize the country's future over their own political calculations.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

1. Transparency and Accountability: Both the government and the opposition must adopt a transparent management approach to regain public trust.

2. Dialogue and Consensus: The government should see the opposition as a stakeholder that can develop common sense rather than as an enemy. The opposition, on the other hand, should offer more concrete and applicable solution proposals.

3. Democracy and Law: A return to the principles of the rule of law must be made, judicial independence must be ensured, and the foundations of democracy must be rebuilt.

4. Public Participation: Inclusive solutions to crises should be produced by valuing the opinions of non-governmental organizations, academics, and experts more.

Turkey's exit from the crises it is in is only possible through common sense and cooperation. As long as all political actors do not learn to prioritize the welfare of the public and the future of the country over their own interests, the end of the crises will remain only a dream.