Early election message from Mahmut Arıkan

Saadet Party leader Mahmut Arıkan addressed current agenda items and national issues in detail during a meeting with non-governmental organizations and members of the press in Adana. While stating that the biggest issues facing Turkey are a crisis of trust and morality, Arıkan emphasized the structural problems of the economic and political system.

DREW ATTENTION TO THE CRISIS OF TRUST AND MORALITY

Pointing out that the guarantee of Turkey's greatness lies in the establishment of trust and morality, Arıkan said, "There is a crisis of trust and morality. Unless these two crises are resolved, there is no point in solving problems in other areas. 74 percent of young people believe they cannot find a job without a reference and are looking for opportunities abroad. We can only speak of morality in a Turkey where a bureaucrat does not receive five salaries." Arıkan also expressed that there is an increase in social crimes and drug use, and that this will continue as long as the concept of morality is not resolved.

Stating that producers and farmers are in a state of uncertainty, Arıkan drew attention to the fact that the minimum wage and pensions have eroded significantly against market conditions, and assessed, "The number of livestock breeders is decreasing, and citizens cannot find the strength to sacrifice an animal. Agriculture and livestock are as much a strategic issue of survival for this country as the defense industry."

CRITICISM OF DEBT AND INTEREST IN THE ECONOMY

Arıkan also put the mistakes of economic management on the table, emphasizing that the low exchange rate-high interest rate policy implemented recently only provides gains to certain segments. "Today, there is a low exchange rate and high interest rates. If this method is followed, one segment wins; that is the rentiers. Announcing growth while ignoring debts does not reflect the reality. The interest to be paid in 2026 is equal to all privatization revenues realized in 20 years," he said.

Stating that the Saadet Party has presented solution proposals, Arıkan said, "In our Turkey Development Plan, we have investments to be made in 81 provinces that will lead to a significant increase in GDP, employment for youth, and a return to the rule of law on our agenda." He added that a new ministry would also be established to fight corruption.

"ISRAEL THREAT" WARNING

Touching on developments in the Middle East, Arıkan argued that Israel's ongoing attacks in Gaza could also target Turkey. "The massacre in Gaza continues, and there is a risk that this threat will spill over into our lands. Stating that only condemnation was deemed sufficient against the arrival of the Israeli navy in the Aegean," Arıkan emphasized that more effective and deterrent steps should be taken in the field of foreign policy.

Touching on the costs incurred in international energy agreements, Arıkan stated that the LNG purchased from America last year cost much more than alternative countries, saying, "If we had not bought LNG from America, we could have met this need for almost half the price."

Evaluating the judicial decision regarding the CHP following the local elections, Arıkan underlined that there is a serious problem in the functioning of the system. Using the expression, "If the judiciary is being discussed where politics is stuck, and politics is being discussed where the judiciary is stuck, the issue is not individuals, the issue is the system. The system is problematic," Arıkan pointed to the necessity of a new constitution for a fair and predictable political competition environment.

Touching on the early election debates, Arıkan said, "We are always expecting a snap election. When the government analyzes the data and the vote share approaches 50 percent again, an early election decision may come. When we put the pieces together, an election is not very far away."

He offered a different perspective to the question about his presidential candidacy: "Unless we move away from the debate of 'who will win the presidential election in Turkey' and prioritize the question of 'how will Turkey win,' we will look for the solution in the wrong place. Our proposal is not who we will win with, but how the country will win."

News Source: 12punto