TESK announces expectations of tradespeople: Lowering inflation, resolving issues in the retail sector...

The President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), Bendevi Palandöken, evaluated the problems faced by tradespeople and artisans and expressed his expectations for 2025. Palandöken stated the following:

"I hope that 2025 will be a year in which the problems of all people in our country, as well as our tradespeople and artisans, are resolved. As you know, it is of great importance to address the high inflation, rising input costs, and social security issues that have been postponed and affect the working lives of tradespeople. Both our citizens and our tradespeople and artisans have faced a serious test in the fight against inflation. Therefore, among the expectations of our tradespeople and artisans are the reduction of inflation, the resolution of problems in the retail sector, and the implementation of regulations to increase competitiveness."

"HIGH INFLATION HAS INCREASED TRADESPEOPLE'S INPUT COSTS"

"In 2024, we all struggled together against the pandemic that followed 2020, the earthquake, and the economic difficulties in our country. I hope that in 2025, the problems in social security will be resolved through the unification of norms. Steps should be taken such as regulating insurance premiums and retirement pensions for Bağ-Kur members and the insured employees working under them, and introducing a retirement condition based on 7,200 days instead of 9,000 working days. Efforts toward lowering prices alongside low inflation and ensuring social justice must be accelerated. Tradespeople and artisans are a segment that fights as much as possible for the peace and security of the country. Ensuring the survival of this segment is of critical importance for the continuation of the trades and crafts trade, which is the source of livelihood for millions of families, and for the continuation of professions such as apprenticeship, journeymanship, and mastership."

"PRICES WILL NATURALLY DECLINE IN A FAIR COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT"

"In recent years, while tradespeople and artisans have carried a heavy burden in the fight against high prices, our citizens have also made efforts to overcome the difficulties of making a living. Tradespeople and artisans are not just a segment that engages in trade, but also the guarantor of the country's peace. In every neighborhood, street, and province, we struggle together on issues such as price increases and service procurement in our relations with tradespeople. I wish for 2025 to be a year without problems for tradespeople and artisans. Within the scope of the government's work and Article 174 of the Constitution, many issues regarding the protection of tradespeople and artisans must be resolved as soon as possible. We believe that this year will be a year in which we will overcome difficulties together, achieve success in the fight against inflation, and prevent unfair competition. Important work done should not be overshadowed; problems in the working lives of tradespeople should be resolved rapidly, and our people should be ensured to complete 2025 in peace and security."