Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz makes statements regarding protests and the arrest decision

Yılmaz answered questions during a live broadcast on Habertürk TV. Here are the highlights from Cevdet Yılmaz's statements:

There are two dimensions to this arrest. One is corruption and the other is terrorism. These are two important headings in the file. It is a legal process. I do not find it correct to make comments in favor or against without looking at the content of the file. It is the independent judiciary that will reveal the content and legal validity of the files. It is a process we call the judiciary. We all need to follow this process. I find it extremely wrong to characterize this as political. The main opposition party is experiencing problems within itself. I see this as an effort to, in a sense, burden society with the conflicts and fights it is experiencing internally on the occasion of this judicial process. I do not see it as valid in any way. There is an arrest decision due to corruption. There is also a terrorism dimension. If it had been an arrest for terrorism, the results would have been different.

"EXTREMELY WRONG"

As a temporary measure, the municipal council will have elected a temporary mayor from among its members. Such a measure is in question. This is a defined legal process. It is extremely wrong to characterize this as political. CHP members make up the majority of the municipal council. From the very beginning, both the previous metropolitan mayor and certain cadres of the CHP have unfortunately politicized this excessively. There is no election at hand. They have already created a candidacy process. They held a primary election for an election that does not exist. An atmosphere was created as if these things were happening because of his candidacy. However, the election is in 2028. Why the rush then? A candidacy atmosphere and perception were created, presumably to say 'it was done because I am a candidate.' They had such an expectation. They entered into an effort of preemptive politicization.

"AFFECTED TO A CERTAIN EXTENT"

For there to be a candidacy, there must be an election. Isn't this a strange thing? There are 2.5 - 3 years until the election, and you are holding a primary election. They tried to create a candidacy process and create a perception as if there was movement in the election process. Everyone has the right to protest within the rules of law. It is not possible to accuse anyone before the judicial process is over; but it is not possible to call them innocent either. In this process, we experienced the following: The streets were unfortunately terrorized, together with marginal groups. This environment created a foundation. We were faced with scenes that went far beyond democratic protest. From swearing incidents to violence. It is not possible to approve of these. In a democratic state of law, the ways of objection and forms of protest are clear. If you respect the state of law and democracy, you have to express your reaction and criticism within the framework of law and democracy. Recently, we have seen efforts to create an image of chaos and an atmosphere of instability. Thank God there is a relative calm here, but the turmoil and security problem created have unfortunately affected the economy to a certain extent.

"EVERYONE NEEDS TO THINK"

The message given to the outside world was an atmosphere of creating a Gezi-like movement. As if to reveal the negative effect of this on the economy. It has been seen in a short time that this is not the case. I think those images will disappear in a short time. There is peace and stability in our country. No one has the right to disrupt this. Both the government and the opposition need to feel responsibility regarding the stability and economy of this country. Everyone needs to think about the economy of this country. I would like to express that I see a connection between the economy and security. As the security environment improves, the temporary effects on the economy disappear on their own.

"THERE IS NO PRIVILEGE TO COMMIT CRIMES"

Whoever has committed a crime, the judiciary must look at it without saying government or opposition. Whoever has evidence, files, or complaints before the judiciary, the judiciary must look at them. Moreover, many of the issues the judiciary is looking at are issues, complaints, reports, and testimonies coming from within the CHP itself. Whoever commits a crime, we have to hold those people and those administrations accountable. Can we blame all AK Party members because an AK Party mayor did something wrong? The same goes for the CHP. We have to make this distinction very clearly. No one has the privilege to commit crimes. But everyone has the right to defend themselves, of course. In this process, no answer is given; there is a complete effort to pull the event into the political arena. If you feel legally justified, why are you pulling the discussion into the political arena? If you are not answering any questions and are pulling the event into politics, it means you think your hand is not strong in the legal field?

"A POLITICIAN SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN CALLING PEOPLE TO THE STREETS"

Mr. Özel and the high-level management's directions, statements, and tone. It is clear that preparations were made in advance on social media. I am expressing my own opinion, not the institution's. I think there is a systematic effort to direct social psychology with such fast, certain patterns and certain studies. It is also the case that opposition segments, seeing this as an opportunity beyond the law, are taking to the field regarding the government. The essential thing is that politicians should act responsibly. A politician should be very careful when calling people to the streets. In the past, people died, people were injured, and people's assets were damaged. There is a way and method of protest on the street. Saying 'I do not recognize the law' and 'I defend the rule of law' is a contradiction in itself.

"PRIMARY ELECTION NUMBERS IN CHP ARE CONTROVERSIAL"

It started with election members. Then non-members were included. One person can go and vote 10 times. There is nothing we can be sure of the result under the supervision of a judge. I do not see those numbers as correct. I have also heard different figures. An election was held in Turkey. Our President was elected President with 52 percent of the vote. Everyone worked with a free, fair election where they competed democratically. Why should there be an election in the country just because the CHP wants it? The conditions for holding an early election are clear. Either there will be a qualified majority in Parliament or our President will decide. Who will be the candidate is a discussion within the CHP itself. I guess they are trying to soften their internal conflicts with early election discussions. These harm our country. Frankly, we want to see the main opposition party settle its internal issues and act with a responsible understanding of politics as soon as possible.

"ALL INDICATORS IN THE ECONOMY ARE POSITIVE"

There are fundamentals in the economy. And there are cyclical, periodic events happening above. The foundations of our economy are solid. You look at the budget, current account balance, the trend in inflation, employment, and growth. You look at the banking system and reserves. When we look at all these indicators, there is an improvement in all of them. Our current account deficit is at historically low levels. The budget deficit is around 5 percent despite the earthquake, under control. Our reserves are at quite sufficient levels. The Central Bank has provided significant reserve accumulation. We recorded 3.2 percent growth. Our unemployment is in single digits. Our inflation rate also has a downward trend towards 39 percent. Our banking system is solid, capital adequacy ratios are solid. Cyclical effects can always be positive or negative. Other effects have to remain short-term and limited. Of course, we were affected. The stock market fell. The exchange rate has also reached a quite stable course with the efforts of the Central Bank and other institutions. There was some impact on interest rates and risk perceptions. You can talk about the budget effect on this. Let's not exaggerate this. If these events continue for a long time and chaos occurs in the country, then you can talk about a more deep-rooted effect. Our President has a very clear and explicit support for the program. There is political will and social ownership behind this program. We are implementing it with determination. These effects will remain as periodic, short-term, limited effects.

"THIS PERIOD WILL OF COURSE HAVE AN EFFECT"

It is clear that there is a certain loss in reserves. Our Central Bank and the CMB took some necessary proactive actions. They did the right thing. Our institutions took certain steps to protect stability against the temporary fluctuation in the market. These are temporary, let's say 3-5 days. Steps taken to bring the effects of the hot event under control. This period will of course have an effect to a certain extent. There may be a slight increase in the exchange rate and a pass-through in expectations. Let's say 1-2 points. We will also see the effects of the movement in the exchange rate. I do not expect major changes. The previous chairman and names of the CHP appeared on television and said, 'Rumors are circulating, they should come out and make a statement.' There is an investigation regarding a crime being committed. Allegations that money was paid to delegates and party members to change their preferences. This is a crime, of course. If the thing related to the punishment happens, whoever tries to buy someone's vote with money will see their punishment, whoever it is. If a crime has been committed, if money has been given to someone, if it has been intervened with financial power, it is not acceptable according to our law.

"I FIND THE BOYCOTT CALL VERY HARMFUL"

The main opposition leader is making boycott calls. I am truly watching with astonishment. On one hand, you will make criticisms about the economy, and on the other hand, you will target the national and local companies of this country. The same politicians are not in a boycott mood at all while Israel is committing genocide. I see the boycott call against our local and national companies as a harmful and dangerous approach. This is not a favor to Turkey. It is irresponsible politics. The damage you do to those companies. You are harming the people working there, Turkey's production, and its national resources. I don't remember this in our country's politics until today. There was talk of green capital during the coup period. These are statements that harm the quality of our democracy and politics. You come out as your own political party and present your vision and policies. Have you seen the CHP present an economic vision? Other than being involved in harmful actions. I believe that responsible politicians within the CHP are also uncomfortable with this picture, and our responsible citizens who vote for the CHP are also uncomfortable with this picture. This means forgetting that we are in the same boat.

"THEY FORGET THAT WE ARE IN THE SAME BOAT"

Mr. Mehmet is tired of denying these rumors. He had to spend part of his time on these denials. This has been done many times. I guess they think that if Mr. Mehmet leaves, confidence in the economy will be broken. They forget that we are in the same boat. This country belongs to all of us. An approach that says let's create a perception through disinformation, lies, and slander over things that don't exist, let's harm the government, let's make the economy go bad, and let me come to power. Do you think such a party has the capacity to provide service when it comes to power? Mr. Mehmet is at the head of his duty. Can this program run without the strong political support of our President? We are in an effort to implement a holistic program. The main opposition should be uncomfortable with this program.

"A CHANGE REGARDING WITHHOLDING TAX IS NOT ON OUR AGENDA"

Our Central Bank is our institution responsible for protecting the TL. It has opened up a number of new areas. I believe it will continue to protect the strength of the TL in the dosage it needs. A very successful performance. There was some movement in foreign currency, but we did not encounter an exaggerated picture. At the point we have reached today, I can say that the markets have calmed down relatively well. As for the withholding tax issue. It has a side that affects public revenues. On one hand, we are observing fiscal balances. A change regarding withholding tax is not on our agenda.

"WE DID NOT DISRUPT THE CONSISTENCY OF THE GENERAL PROGRAM"

Our manufacturing exporters stated that they are experiencing problems in terms of global competition. We are discussing what we can do for our manufacturing exporters and labor-intensive sectors. We created support of 2,500 liras per employee for SMEs that do not experience employment loss. If there is no employment loss when they apply, we will provide 2,500 liras of aid per person. Our main measure here is to provide support with selective applications in a way that does not disrupt the main framework of our program. We made a reduction in rediscount credits, we apply a different tax rate for exporters. We say 20 percent. We are both supporting that area we see as critical and not disrupting the consistency of our general program.

"THE ECONOMIC PICTURE WILL NORMALIZE MUCH MORE"

What we call foreign is mostly financial markets. The movement occurred in short-term accounts. When you look at it as of today, there is a calming down; even a certain reversal is in question. I can say that that atmosphere has dissipated. As it is understood that no trustee will be appointed, that there is nothing with the corporate identity of the CHP, and that street movements will not continue, the markets have also calmed down. In the meantime, many measures have been implemented. Political discussions within Turkey may continue. As it is seen that the incident made by marginal groups on the streets to terrorize Turkey is not permanent, the picture will normalize much more in economic terms.

"THERE IS NO UNCERTAINTY LEFT AT THE MOMENT"

There was a systematic effort. A negative perception was reflected to the outside world about Turkey. The US made a statement saying 'This is Turkey's internal matter.' There were statements with question marks from Europe. 3-4 countries made official statements. There was no comprehensive, official statement. It was a matter of understanding what the first day was. Perhaps question marks arose due to the main opposition's perception of reflecting this as a political event internally and externally. I see that this is also gradually dissipating. On the first day, a different atmosphere was experienced internally and externally. Everyone tried to understand. During that period, there were efforts to create a perception. At the point we have reached today, everyone is more informed. Uncertainty in the economy is something that cannot be measured. You see the risk. You calculate it. If it turns into a risk, it becomes manageable. There is no uncertainty left at the moment. There is a legal process. Everyone will follow it.

WILL THE AK PARTY AND CHP EXCHANGE HOLIDAY GREETINGS?

Parties do the holiday greeting. It is not on the government side. I always see benefit in having a dialogue between the government and the main opposition of this country. This is something the parties will decide. I have no information about the holiday greeting.

"MR. BAHÇELİ'S MOVE IS HISTORIC"

The main framework of the matter is our President's vision, the Century of Turkey. Our President emphasized strengthening the internal front on various occasions. What is happening in Gaza, what is happening around us in Syria. A vision that foresees Turkey's need to strengthen its internal structure and integrate against those who play games over our region. Mr. Bahçeli's call was a historic call. For terrorism to end permanently and to stop being a shackle. Our state institutions have been working on this process. Of course, studies were carried out where our President meticulously drew the political framework. The founder of the terrorist organization made a call to his own organization to 'dissolve yourselves.' This expresses that a new stage has been passed. The ball is in the terrorist organization's court, so to speak. They will set a congress date and take this decision. I take Mr. Bahçeli's call as 'gather as soon as possible and take the decision.'

"IT SEEMS LIKE THE DEM PARTY IS NOT DOING ITS DUTY"

Öcalan is under certain conditions in İmralı. He has a call to the terrorist organization. The terrorist organization is not in a position to stall. I think that the DEM Party members are not doing their duty here. They should clearly say to the terrorist organization, 'The founder of your organization says dissolve yourselves, and we are making the same call.' I haven't heard this until today. If you defend democratic competition, you have to do this. If the terrorist organization dissolves, no one will say to DEM, 'You are doing politics with elbow contact with the terrorist organization.' When these weapons are laid down, a new perspective will open for democracy and development. We will continue on our way much more strongly as Turks, Kurds, Alevis, and Sunnis. We will do our competition in a democratic atmosphere. What is critical is the gathering of the congress and the making of this statement.

"THE PROCESS IS GOING POSITIVELY SO FAR"

I can say that the process is going positively so far. The fact that the deputies are consulting is a positive development. This is a process that needs to proceed in stages. This process should not be delayed. It will be healthy for this call to be made and this congress to be gathered as soon as possible. We are following this closely as well. There is no blockage in the process, it is continuing. Let it proceed quickly. Let no one interfere with the process. It is best for us to carry out these processes within ourselves.

"WE ARE NOT HEARING THE SAME THING FROM THE DEM PARTY"

The state has authorized institutions. What the DEM Party needs to do is, just as Mr. Bahçeli says 'gather the congress as soon as possible.' We are not hearing the same thing from the DEM Party. Instead of assigning duties and responsibilities to others, they need to turn and look at themselves. What they need to do is to make the call and say to the terrorist organization, 'gather your congress and take the decision.' The DEM Party made its visit. Meetings were held. It did the necessary consultations. Finally, a message came from there. There is no point in talking about the same thing over and over. The person who founded the terrorist organization told the terrorist organization, 'gather your congress and dissolve yourselves.' One must see that first.

"WE WANT AN UNFRAGMENTED SYRIA"

There are very important critical articles in the agreement between the SDF and the Ahmet Şara administration. Its implementation is important, we are following it carefully. We want unity in Syria. Where ethnic, religious, and sectarian groups live together. An unfragmented Syria. This is also the most correct thing humanely. An unstable Syria produces harm to Turkey. What Turkey is trying to do with all its might right now is that Syria should not be fragmented and should have territorial integrity. The formation of a governance structure that includes Alevis, Sunnis, Turkmens, Arabs, and Kurds. The effort to form a government that includes all segments in some way is a positive thing. We also experienced provocative incidents there. There were those who tried to make provocations in Turkey over that. We believe that the Kurds living there should have all kinds of rights and laws. We cannot look positively at a terrorist structure that poses a threat to Turkey in any way.

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND BY PALESTINE"

Our President had a very positive phone call with Mr. Trump. Mr. President and Trump also have a relationship from before. In the coming periods, we will see American foreign policy taking more shape. A new administration. What is essential is the concrete preferences of governments reflected in the field. We will continue our relations within this framework. After all, we are two NATO member countries. We will continue our relations with the US not only in security but also in economy and trade. The most important risk factor in the region is Israel's inhumane attacks in Gaza. The Netanyahu government is carrying out all kinds of inhumane attacks. Turkey's stance is extremely clear. Turkey is by the side of the Palestinian cause until the end. Our President is a person who has fought this struggle throughout his life. There are studies to support our brothers in every way, from the cutting of trade. Turkey will always continue to stand by Palestine. Let the Palestinian people build the geography they live in, their homeland. Let Palestine not experience ethnic cleansing. We want a two-state solution in the long run. Two states based on the UN's 1867 borders. Here, it is necessary to exert all kinds of pressure on the Israeli administration together with the alliance of humanity and the alliance of conscience. It turns out that the Israeli administration, which does not recognize law and does not recognize humanity, poses a threat to the entire region. Turkey is in favor of consensus at this point. Not conflict or wars. Turkey is like this in the Ukraine-Russia war as well. Turkey is in favor of peace and stability. A country that supports the search for consensus.

"TURKEY WANTS A STABLE SYRIA"

Syria belongs to the Syrians. Whoever intervenes without an international agreement is in the position of an occupier. What Israel is doing are not measures that will be approved in any way within the framework of international law. Israel is trying to create a weaker country. This disrupts the stability of the entire region. Turkey wants the exact opposite, a stable Syria. Everyone's policy binds themselves. Turkey will be by the side of the Syrians. It will continue to provide all kinds of support in its reconstruction and in the birth of a new Syria. Israel must leave Syrian territory as soon as possible.

"I HOPE WE WILL SEE THESE PROBLEMS OVERCOME"

On one hand, there are discussions about DAESH there. We say this: 'You cannot solve one terrorist organization with another terrorist organization.' What needs to be done is for the states in the region and countries like the US to work together. Not to work with certain terrorist organizations. I hope we will see these problems overcome with more cooperation in the coming period.

"MR. TRUMP HAD SAID 'TURKEY IS RIGHT'"

These are events that have a congressional dimension. Our approach is clear and explicit. We know that these are unfair sanctions. Trump had expressed the same thing. At the G-20 meeting I attended, Mr. Trump and Mr. Erdoğan were at the same meeting. Mr. Trump himself expressed, 'Turkey is right on this issue, Turkey had to look for other remedies.' There are different decision-making mechanisms. We will see them. As two NATO countries, we believe in the lifting of sanctions. It is possible for Turkish and US leaders to come together in the coming periods, but I cannot give a date.

"THE VIEW OF TURKEY HAS BECOME MORE DIFFERENT"

We all see that there is a different atmosphere in Europe. I went to England recently. I met with the British Defense Minister. There was an extremely positive atmosphere. An approach that underlines the importance of Turkey. Turkey should not be remembered only for security. From Customs Union, visa exemption, to energy cooperation. The EU is our natural geography. We have many ties such as capital movements and tourism. On the other hand, we are a candidate country. The EU froze this. We want to continue relations with Europe with a positive agenda by remembering the membership perspective again. The importance of Turkey is very clear in terms of the US and the EU. When we look objectively, I see this: A strong, democratic, prosperous Europe is in Turkey's favor, and likewise, a strong, prosperous, democratic Turkey is in Europe's favor. Now there is a new window of opportunity. I believe that both Europe and Turkey should evaluate this well. Europe has remembered again what Turkey means.

AT WHAT STAGE IS TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP?

As long as there is political will, technical solutions will be found. You produce new formulas. The problem here is not technical issues. I worked as the General Manager of the EU at the DPT for years. I know those processes. The real issue here is political will, intention. The formation of a new political atmosphere. If this forms, those chapters will be opened. Turkey has reached a point. Harmonization programs can be easily made. Whatever is good for EU members, Turkey complies with it. Our President also says on various occasions, 'The EU is still a strategic goal for us.' It is not that Turkey has no other alternative, of course. In fact, when your relations with the EU improve, it does not get worse with other regions. These are not alternatives to each other. As long as we develop positive relations.

IS THE END NEAR IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR?

The US says 'Europe should take more responsibility.' We cannot say that this has materialized. A meeting will be held in France soon. They also invited Turkey. I will probably attend. Issues related to Ukraine will be discussed here. We will see the different ideas of different countries. We will also express our point of view there.

"TURKEY HAS AN ONGOING ACQUIS"

Our President is in the position of a leader who can talk to both Putin and Zelensky. It produced many results, from the grain initiative to prisoner exchange. Ukraine is a country with which we have strategic relations. We held joint cabinet meetings. Russia is also a country with which we have good neighborly relations. We continue our dialogues with both. We support with all our might that this event ends in a peaceful way. Turkey has been in a positive approach from the beginning. Turkey has an acquis that has been continuing for years. There is no loser in a fair peace, and there is no winner in a war. It is extremely important for the stability of the region and the Black Sea that this great conflict ends as soon as possible. Let there be peace, no matter how. It is important to make a real contribution to this.

IS A TWO-STATE SOLUTION POSSIBLE IN CYPRUS?

New developments are happening. An important meeting was held in Geneva. There was participation from the UN, Turkey, Greece, the TRNC, and the Greek side. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Mr. Ersin Tatar attended. We defend a two-state solution. The UN appointed a representative in the past period. The representative recorded that 'there is no common ground between the parties.' Methods that have been tried until today should not be tried. The two-state solution we defend. It does not mean that the two societies should not show solidarity or do joint projects. After accepting the two-state principle, we are open to all kinds of positive cooperation between the two societies and the two states. We are thinking of a cable to Cyprus. I wish we could pull it to the whole island, this is the most feasible one. If joint energy projects were done. We are not at that point yet. I believe this will develop over time. These two states can cooperate on every issue. We have expressed the new perspective that can bring benefit and prosperity to both societies in Geneva. We will see the developments here in the coming period.

"THE EU MADE A HISTORIC MISTAKE"

The EU had sins. They made an exception here for the Greek side. While the dispute was ongoing, they made the Greek side a member of the EU. They eliminated all consensus. All kinds of privileges have been given. All kinds of inhumane isolations are being done to our Turkish Cypriot brothers. The EU has a historic mistake. We are leaving this aside. Mr. Ersin Tatar, as president, put forward this vision. We, as both a brother and a guarantor country, are behind this.

HOLIDAY BONUS FOR RETIREES

What we call a holiday bonus is something that the AK Party brought in 2018. It is a support given by law. It is not something that is revised in certain periods. It is not an application with an automatic increase order. It was 3,000 liras at the last. This 3,000 liras started for certain segments on Monday. Since the law has not been passed, 3,000 will be deposited, and when the law is passed, that difference will be deposited. It will have increased to a total of 8,000 liras in the form of 4+4, including Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. There is a cost that this brings to the budget. I wish our number of retirees was lower so we could offer more to our existing retirees. We have 16 million retirees. We understand our retirees and their living conditions. We are taking steps by pushing our means. As the decline in inflation continues, we will continue to be by the side of our retirees. The cost of this step is 28.5 billion liras. We need to increase registered employment. A long-term perspective is really very important here.

News Source: 12punto