Warning from TESK President Palandöken: '300,000 businesses could close'

Bendevi Palandöken, President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), stated that the regulation for the transition to the simplified tax system caught tradespeople unprepared. Emphasizing that the new system is far beyond the capacity that tradespeople can handle, Palandöken asked, "There is one month left, how will the system be set up? With what budget will it be done?"

Stating that tradespeople are already trying to survive with shrinking capital, Palandöken said, "Their capital is not suitable for this. There are also seasonal difficulties. This is not how you lower inflation; you need to keep tradespeople alive. Tradespeople are not a burden on the state; they create employment."

HIGH FINANCIAL BURDENS ARE STRAINING TRADESPEOPLE

Pointing out that the annual social security premiums for tradespeople reach 120,000 TL, Palandöken said it is impossible for them to breathe under such high financial burdens. He noted that if tradespeople cannot fulfill their financial obligations, these burdens will reflect back on the state.

LACK OF COLLECTIVE WISDOM IN TAX REGULATIONS

Stating that the new regulations were prepared without sufficient consultation with tradespeople's representatives, Palandöken said, "Decisions should be made with collective wisdom involving our Confederation and professional chambers. The 'I did it, so it is done' mentality creates distrust and causes stagnation in the market."

Expressing that e-seizure practices are causing distress for tradespeople, Palandöken said, "Tradespeople want to sell their products but cannot access their money. Their accounts are blocked instantly. This drives them into depression."

URGENT MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN FOR TRADESPEOPLE

Emphasizing that urgent measures must be taken for tradespeople struggling with economic difficulties, Palandöken said, "Otherwise, 250,000 to 300,000 businesses could close. Tradespeople are a segment that keeps the wheels of the economy turning and creates their own employment."

"A SOLUTION MUST BE FOUND FOR THE UNFAIR PRACTICE"

Stating that foreclosure proceedings have begun before tradespeople even receive their earnings, Palandöken said, "This unfair practice must be resolved. We believe that this issue will be solved with the instructions our President will give to the Ministry of Treasury and Finance."