Stern warning to party members: 'The salaries you receive are haram'

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) has not yet brought a single legislative amendment to the General Assembly in the 50 days since legislative activities began in October.

During this period, the visibly increasing number of empty seats in the ruling party's rows has brought the issue of absenteeism among AKP deputies to the agenda. The failure of AKP deputies to attend parliamentary work prompted President Erdoğan to take action.

According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, some AKP deputies conveyed their discomfort regarding absenteeism in Parliament to President Erdoğan.

The deputies used expressions such as "We have even forgotten their faces" regarding some of their colleagues who do not attend parliamentary work. Following these complaints, Erdoğan gave a clear message at the group meeting.

President Erdoğan said, "Do not forget, we are all here under this roof to serve our nation. We are obligated to fulfill this primary duty in the best possible way. If there is any disruption, slackening, or carelessness in the performance of this duty, none of us can bear the burden of it."

"HE WARNED THOSE WHO DO NOT FULFILL THEIR DUTY PROPERLY"

The President also stated: "This nation pays your salaries from its own pocket. If my deputy colleagues are not present for roll calls, this nation will not grant you its blessing. If you are not fulfilling your duty properly, the salaries you receive are haram; know this as such."

The AKP, which suffered a major defeat in the March 31, 2024 local elections, had investigated the reasons for the loss of votes and made self-criticisms on certain issues in meetings held after the election results.

President Erdoğan had also emphasized last year that the participation of AKP members in legislative activities was low. Stating that this situation caused him sadness, Erdoğan requested that AKP deputies take on more duties in Parliament.