Şamil Tayyar's suggestion for AKP deputies whose statements drew backlash: They need a chili pepper detox for their tongues

Recalling the calls for the AKP to be represented by its deputies rather than pro-government journalists, Tayyar pointed out that these discussions need to be revisited in light of the recent gaffes.

AKP Tekirdağ Deputy Mestan Özcan had drawn backlash after stating that he could not make ends meet with a 500 thousand lira salary. 

The remarks targeting retirees by Mersin Deputy Hasan Ufuk Çakır, who resigned from the Republican People's Party (CHP) to join the AKP and became widely talked about for the moments he was seen "saluting" Erdoğan, had also become a hot topic.

Çakır had used the following words regarding retirees who expressed their demands for a raise against salaries below the hunger threshold:

"They are stomping their feet, asking if 20 thousand TL is a pension. My brother, you are not living in Switzerland! You have Greece right next to you, Armenia on this side, Syria down below... When the British come from this side, will they look at my honor and not yours?"

Former AKP Deputy Şamil Tayyar suggested that the project of having deputies appear on screen instead of journalists who defend the AKP should be reviewed following these "gaffes."

HERE ARE THOSE WORDS FROM ŞAMIL TAYYAR:

"At one point, the bill was blamed on journalists, and it was said, 'deputies to the screen.'

Now we see that it would be better if some deputies stayed away from the screen.

A new one is added to every gaffe every day.

An injustice was done to our journalist friends.

If the insistence on screen appearances is to continue, some of them need a chili pepper detox for their tongues beforehand."

At one point, the bill was blamed on journalists, and it was said, 'deputies to the screen.'

Now we see that it would be better if some deputies stayed away from the screen.

A new one is added to every gaffe every day.

An injustice was done to our journalist friends.

If the insistence on screen appearances is to continue, some of them need a chili pepper detox for their tongues beforehand…

— Şamil Tayyar (@samiltayyar27) February 3, 2026