Mustafa Destici gives a figure for the minimum wage hike: 'Anything below this is unacceptable'

Great Unity Party (BBP) Chairman Mustafa Destici made statements regarding the agenda at a press conference held at a hotel in Eskişehir.

Speaking about the issue of stray dogs, Destici recalled that there have been increasing dog attacks in Turkey in recent days and that stray dogs have been attacking defenseless individuals.

Noting that some of these incidents have resulted in death and others in severe injuries, Destici pointed out that the most recent example occurred in Ankara's Keçiören district, stating, "The most honorable of those created by God on Earth is the human being. Therefore, the priority is the human, and it must be to protect the human. Unfortunately, some of our municipalities and administrators have surrendered to the clamor of a few so-called animal rights advocates on this issue until today. Unfortunately, human life has been put at risk here and continues to be put at risk."

Pointing out that the issue is not just a matter of today or these years, Destici explained that a circular regarding dogs was issued in 1932 with the approval of Atatürk, and continued his words as follows:

"These problems were experienced in 1932 and were cut off like a knife with the approval of Atatürk. The necessary action was taken. Today, it is absolutely necessary to do what is required. Of course, our means are greater now compared to that period. What are we saying? We are not saying that all stray ones should be culled directly like that circular. Stray ones should be collected. They should be kept in an animal shelter and their lives should be protected. There is another dimension to the matter. Unfortunately, in this capitalist world, these bloodsuckers, those who rob the citizen's pocket, are also taking advantage of this. What is that? There is a dog food industry. They are very pleased with the existence of these dogs to continue their sales and earnings. It is even said that the fertility of the dogs is deliberately increased. By using some so-called animal rights advocates, they feed them just as they feed the dogs and make them do their defense. They continue to add to their earnings there."

Emphasizing that the subject should be discussed comprehensively and that a research commission should be established in parliament regarding this if necessary, Destici stated, "The incident should be investigated thoroughly, all these allegations should be examined there, and a regulation should be made; we believe that if necessary, a directive, and if that is not enough, a legal regulation must be made. We are primarily on the side of human life. Especially our children and women are very afraid. We express once again from here that all our people should be protected from these dog attacks and that urgent measures should be taken regarding this. I am speaking very clearly and plainly; I express that we recommend the implementation of Atatürk's 1932 circular to prevent all these things if necessary."

Stating that Israel's heinous attacks on Palestine continue and that the number of innocent people who lost their lives in these attacks has reached 18 thousand, Destici noted that the United States (USA) is as responsible for these massacres as Israel.

Saying that the US continues to provide weapons and bomb aid to Israel, Destici said, "It continues to provide financial aid. It does not stop there. Most recently, the United Nations Security Council made a call for a humanitarian ceasefire. This council consists of 15 countries, and it has 5 permanent members. The United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia; when one of these vetoes it, it is not accepted. Here, this call also faced a veto from the US. The UK abstained. Although 13 countries accepted it, it was not accepted because one country vetoed it. Therefore, how right the words of our President and some brave politicians in the world who object to this system are in being against this order has once again emerged here."

GAVE A FIGURE FOR MINIMUM WAGE

Reminding that with the proposal he made last year for the minimum wage, it was increased twice, both in January and July, he continued his words as follows:

"High inflation continues. The year-end inflation expectation is between 65-70. The inflation expectation for the upcoming 2024 year is also around 50 percent. Well, in a country where inflation will be 50 percent and above, if the minimum wage is determined only once a year in January, and the minimum wage earner is left to this figure, to this wage for a whole year, wouldn't it be an injustice to the minimum wage earner? Wouldn't the money they receive melt away against inflation? Wouldn't it decrease? We are already talking about the lowest working salary. Therefore, until inflation falls to single-digit figures, it must continue to be determined at least twice a year in our country. No one should compromise on this."

Touching upon the fact that they see the minimum wage increase will be at the level of 15 thousand liras or exceed it, along with the inflation increase and a welfare share on top of it, Destici said, "We, as the Great Unity Party, think that it is correct for this figure to be around at least 17 thousand by adding a welfare share, and we are sharing this with the public."

Expressing that their party has the power to nominate candidates in all of Turkey for the 2024 local elections and that they are ready for this, Destici added that they will have started the election campaign at the General Consultation Meeting they will hold in Ankara on December 17.

Following his speech, Destici introduced Taha Baksan, who was appointed as the BBP Eskişehir Provincial Chairman, to the members of the press.