Request to investigate pensioners' problems finds no support in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey

The General Assembly of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Celal Adan. During the session, negotiations were held on various legislative proposals, including those concerning an increase in the lowest pension. In this context, the Republican People's Party (CHP) requested the opening of a parliamentary inquiry to investigate the economic and social difficulties experienced by pensioners. However, the motion was not accepted due to the votes of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputies.

Speaking on behalf of the CHP, Ankara Deputy Adnan Beker drew attention to the hardships faced by pensioners. Beker stated, "Our pensioners are miserable. Our pensioner cannot even buy a chocolate for their grandchild," pointing out that the observations of the government and the opposition regarding retired citizens differ. Beker said, "But unfortunately, when the AK Party group speaks, the pensioners I see on the streets, in the markets, and at Friday prayers are different from the pensioners you see. Either your neighborhood is different or the places we visit are different."

Following his criticisms, Deputy Beker also emphasized the following in his speech: "You are this government, and you are the ones who should solve the problems of the pensioner. You are the ones who should ensure that a student who has finished university finds a job. You are the ones who should solve the problems that exist in the country and concern your government."

Ertuğrul Kaya, a Gaziantep Deputy from the New Way Group, stated that pensioners have now gone beyond mere livelihood struggles and are fighting against hunger. Kaya noted that pensioners are forced to stay in affordable hotels and hostels due to their low income. Kaya argued that the economic program is based on incorrect diagnoses and that mistakes are being made in its implementation.

AKP Ankara Deputy Osman Gökçek reacted harshly to the CHP's rhetoric regarding pensioners. Gökçek said, "The politics that the Republican People's Party conducts over our retired citizens is unfortunately not sincere." Giving examples regarding municipalities and water prices, Gökçek targeted CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir, stating that it was inappropriate for the CHP to speak on behalf of pensioners. Gökçek continued his criticism with the words, "That is why you are the last people to talk about pensioners."

Gökçek also made allegations regarding the assets of the CHP's Emir, claiming that Emir acquired assets after becoming a deputy. In the face of Gökçek's allegations and accusations, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir gave a sharp response. Rejecting the accusations against him, Emir said, "Only so many lies could come out of Osman Gökçek's mouth," and explained that he had earned the majority of his assets before becoming a deputy. Emir also stated that the assets belonging to his ex-wife were inherited from her father and added: "I divorced my ex-wife 15 years ago. One should feel a little shame."

Emir made the following remarks regarding his professional life: "I am a taxpayer. I have been practicing as a private physician for 33 years, and I have performed over 50 thousand surgeries. All of them are taxed. What I earn is clear, my wealth is clear, and my asset declaration is clear."

During the debate, Emir turned to Gökçek and said, "What is clear about you? What did you earn and where? Where did you get those Beyaz TV channels? Where did you get those villas? You cannot talk about that, you are spewing such curses. I have a degree from Hacettepe Medicine, Ankara Law, a specialization in ophthalmology, a doctorate in law, and a master's degree with a thesis in laser physics from Heidelberg University; all of it is there for everyone to see. Osman, look, if you work for it, you can do it too, believe me, I know you are really jealous but I swear you can do it because you don't have an intelligence problem, you have a character problem. Type 'bribery' into Google and Melih Gökçek comes up as the result."

While the problems of pensioners created a debate during the negotiations in the Parliamentary General Assembly, the rejection of the research motion caused a reaction from the opposition. The negotiations ended in the shadow of expectations for the improvement of pensions and political controversy.

News Source: 12punto