The long-awaited statement on 'citizenship salary' has come from Cevdet Yılmaz

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz made statements regarding the current agenda. Speaking on NTV, Yılmaz answered questions about the economic outlook as well as developments in world politics.

REGULATION REGARDING THE LOWEST PENSION

Evaluating the regulations regarding the lowest pension, Cevdet Yılmaz explained the process concerning the current increase system and potential new steps:

"Our SSK and civil servant retirees are receiving their rule-based increases. We do not need to make an additional regulation. However, the regulation regarding the minimum pension is an approach brought within the logic of social support. These regulations are made in line with the inflation difference. This increase regarding the lowest pension needs to be made by law. An impact assessment is being conducted before a decision is made on these matters. A position will be determined after evaluating the budget and its impact on resources. The final decision belongs to our Parliament. These will be concluded in a short time. I would like to say that we are standing by our retirees by pushing our means to the limit. We did not let them be crushed by inflation."

THE US OPERATION IN VENEZUELA AND THE ABDUCTION OF MADURO

Drawing attention to the transformation in global politics, Yılmaz evaluated Turkey's foreign policy approach specifically regarding Venezuela:

"We must see that the world is now heading in a different direction. We must look at the background of this. The Cold War is over, and the world has entered a transition process. At the point we have reached, we see that power politics has come to the forefront in the world. We are in a period where uncertainties and risks are increasing and conflicts are intensifying in the world. International law, institutions, and rules have weakened. As Turkey, we have a position in favor of international law and global justice regarding Venezuela. On the other hand, as Turkey, we are always in favor of diplomacy, keeping channels open with all parties, and contributing to crisis management and stability. Leadership is very important in foreign policy. Resolute, experienced leadership gains even more importance. Here, too, with the resolute and experienced leadership of our President, we will continue our efforts both to defend our principles and to contribute to stability through open dialogue with all parties. We will always continue to stand by the people of Venezuela. We sincerely hope that Venezuela will emerge from this crisis as soon as possible, achieve stability, and create an environment that meets the demands of the people."

GLOBAL ECONOMY

Drawing attention to the deterioration in the global economic outlook, Yılmaz evaluated the course of growth and trade worldwide:

"It points to a new shaping of the global economy in the world. This has increased uncertainty and risks. With the effect of all these, growth in the world is below its historical averages. We are talking about trade that is also below growth. We see that although inflation has fallen, it is still a global problem in the world."

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Touching upon the economic effects of the ongoing wars, Yılmaz emphasized peace:

"These conflicts affect trade and the economy. We wish for this conflict to end and we support the process initiated by the US. We are doing everything in our power for there to be peace. Ensuring peace and the reconciliation of our two neighbors will also positively affect our economy."

TURKISH ECONOMY

Speaking about the roadmap the Turkish economy is following in the face of global risks, Yılmaz drew attention to the 2026 budget:

"In a world of uncertainty and risks, we are acting on a realistic ground. We have prepared our 2026 budget with this mindset. The moderate course of oil and commodity prices will be a factor that positively affects our economy. Depending on the global decline in inflation, the interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and European central banks are a positive opportunity for the Turkish economy."

HE GAVE A DATE FOR SINGLE-DIGIT INFLATION

Evaluating the point reached in the fight against inflation, Yılmaz shared the targeted calendar:

"The disinflation process has begun. However, we had a very negative year in the agricultural sector. Both frost and drought. It negatively affected inflation through food prices. If we hadn't experienced this in agriculture, we would be talking about figures in the 20s today; we closed with a figure slightly above 30. Another factor is the expectations and stickiness in services inflation. In services, items like rent and education are pulling it upwards. A break has started there as well. Looking at all this, we see that our direction is correct. Our direction is clear. Our main framework is clear. Our direction is downward. This is very important. When January inflation arrives, we expect to see below 30 percent. Thus, we aim to reduce inflation below 20 percent by the end of 2026. We are working to bring our country to single digits in 2027. 2026 will be a year when structural transformations will accelerate."

“CITIZENSHIP SALARY” WORK

Touching upon the work carried out regarding the "citizenship salary" under the heading of social policies, Yılmaz said:

"It is in our election manifesto. This system is not a deterrent to employment; on the contrary, it is a holistic approach that directs employable family members to the labor market and enables them to stand on their own feet. We have been working on this for a long time. We will provide information when it is fully matured. We will carry out pilot applications this year."

COST OF LIVING

Making evaluations on the cost of living and the rent problem, Yılmaz emphasized that the fight against inflation is the main priority:

"The years when Turkey's growth is healthiest are the years when inflation is low. Our effort to reduce inflation is very strong. For there to be a meaningful increase, the inflation rate must come down. We have prioritized inflation. When we look at prices from automobiles to white goods, we see the results of these efforts. Rent concerns our entire society closely. The 27 percent segment that is renting is the segment most affected. With the implementation of our social housing program, the delivery of our earthquake houses, and our other efforts, there will be further normalization in this area as well."

SECOND OPENING PROCESS

Speaking about the second opening process called a Terror-Free Turkey, Yılmaz noted the following:

"Laying down arms is a sensitive process. The observations of our intelligence agency in the field are very, very important to us. This is a process and it is continuing. A commission has been established in our Parliament, I congratulate them all. A process was experienced with common sense. Now we are waiting for the commission's report. This is a matter that requires legislation; the Parliament is the one that can do this. It is a matter at the discretion of our Parliament. We have to wait for this report. These processes are not easy. I can say that it has gone very well so far. We must be vigilant against the provocations and disinformation of some circles. It is important for our country to get rid of this problem permanently, to move towards a more developed democracy, and to achieve greater economic prosperity."

THE SITUATION IN SYRIA AND THE MARCH 10 AGREEMENT

Explaining Turkey's approach to developments in Syria, Yılmaz emphasized stability:

"Syria is very critical for us. It is our neighbor. We have seen how much we are affected in our daily lives. It is a geography with which we have a historical partnership. We feel close to everyone living in Syria. We want to have good relations with everyone. We want them to live together in peace within the unity and integrity of Syria. We just don't want terrorist structures. We don't want threats against Turkey. This is our perspective. In this framework, we have very good and positive relations with the Mr. Shara government. Syria needs to be rebuilt. There are countries that do not want Syria to be rebuilt. There are also powers in our region that are trying to keep Syria unstable. For this, they are also trying to use and provoke identities in Syria. No one should fall for this. What is important here is to protect the unity and integrity of Syria within an approach that integrates all elements. Turkey is also making efforts in this direction with all channels of diplomacy. It is impossible for us to remain indifferent to any incident in Syria. As Syria's prosperity and stability increase, this will also reflect positively on Turkey. Here, we will continue to support all of Syria without any discrimination."

News Source: 12punto