Ali Babacan announces his presidential candidacy: Closes the door on early elections

DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan participated in the Kırmızı Koltuk (Red Seat) program hosted by Orhan Uğuroğlu on Yeniçağ TV and made significant statements. While announcing his presidential candidacy, Babacan also leveled criticisms at economic issues and government policies.

EVERY PARTY LEADER IS A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Regarding his presidential candidacy, Babacan stated the following:

"The chairman of every party is a natural presidential candidate. If a party chairman says, 'I am not a candidate,' that party loses its claim. As the chairman of the DEVA Party, I am the natural candidate. I declare that I am my party's presidential candidate."

CRITICISM OF THE MINIMUM WAGE

Babacan stated that political parties have essentially entered an auction regarding the minimum wage, noting the following:

"The minimum wage and pension should be determined based on real inflation and a welfare share. However, it should be calculated not with the misleading inflation data announced by TÜİK, but with real inflation. The hunger threshold announced by Türk-İş has exceeded 20 thousand liras, yet the minimum wage is still 17 thousand liras. Not providing an interim raise is a violation of public rights."

BABACAN'S STATEMENT ON GAMBLING AND INTEREST

Pointing out that children can easily access gambling through their mobile phones, Babacan said, "If the government can shut down social media platforms, it can also shut down betting and gambling sites. However, if it is not taking steps in this regard, there may be conflicts of interest." Babacan also described the government's silence on gambling as inconsistent, given that it presents religious justifications regarding interest rates.

CLOSED THE DOOR ON EARLY ELECTIONS

Pointing out that President Erdoğan could become a candidate through an early election decision, Babacan said, "It is not possible for us to support an early election decision today." He criticized the calls for Öcalan to come to Parliament with the words, "This is political posturing. Politics must be conducted with truth and sincerity."