AKP's Özcan, who found the salary insufficient, issues a reaction statement: 'It was misunderstood'

AKP Tekirdağ Deputy Mestan Özcan has published a written assessment on his social media account regarding his recent statements about parliamentary salaries.

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AKP's Özcan, who found the salary insufficient, issues a reaction statement: 'It was misunderstood'

Özcan stated that his remarks regarding parliamentary personal rights were misunderstood, noting that his expressions were taken out of context and created different perceptions in the public eye.

The AKP deputy, Özcan, stated that he observed with regret that some expressions he voiced in a sincere and friendly conversation environment created sensitivity in the public and led to misunderstandings. Emphasizing that the economic conditions and livelihood struggles of citizens are always their primary agenda, Özcan stated that his words were distorted by being taken out of context in some media outlets, which caused different perceptions to form in the public.

Özcan used the following expressions in his statement:

"My dear fellow citizens and the esteemed public; I have observed with regret that some expressions I used regarding the personal rights and responsibilities of the parliamentary office during a sincere and friendly conversation recently have created sensitivity in the public and led to misunderstandings. First of all, I would like to state that the economic conditions and livelihood struggles of our citizens are always our primary agenda. The fact that the assessments I made were taken out of context by some media outlets or made open to misinterpretation has caused different perceptions to form in the public. I have never had any intention to hurt, offend, or upset anyone with any of my words; this is the last thing I would want.

"IT IS AN INACCURATE READING OF INTENT"

My words, which were perceived as a personal complaint, were actually just thoughts expressed in a sincere environment aimed at explaining the intense responsibility that the duty brings with it. The expressions I voiced at the meeting in question were not a complaint; they carried the purpose of sharing the facts regarding some technical issues that are wrongly known by the public (such as the perception that expenses like vehicles, fuel, and transportation are covered by the state). However, unfortunately, they were taken out of their entirety, made open to wrong interpretations, and turned into a perception operation. The office of a deputy is not an area of privilege for us; it is a service office where we carry the trust of our nation on our shoulders. While we have adopted the principle of working for the welfare of our citizens, the attempt to drag me into such a 'livelihood' controversy is an inaccurate reading of intent.

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON OUR MAIN ISSUES"

The duty we have undertaken as deputies does not consist only of legislative activities; it requires being with our fellow citizens at every hour of the day, sharing their troubles, and hosting every citizen who knocks on our door in the best way possible. From our field visits to the hospitality we show our guests; it is actually to deliver the best service to our nation and to remain accessible at all times. I am deeply saddened that the public is being occupied with such an artificial debate. Unlike those who distort my expressions and turn them into political material, we will continue to focus on the main issues of our nation.

Reminding once again that the place I stand is by the side of my nation, I would like to state that we will continue to spend all our energy for our Tekirdağ and our country, just as we have done until today. Our intention is pure, and our will to serve is permanent. I thank all my sensible fellow citizens who did not give credence to the false perceptions directed at me during this process, and I submit the situation to the appreciation of the public with my respects."

News Source: 12punto