Meeting with local press members in Çanakkale, Yeniden Refah Party Deputy Chairman Suat Kılıç made statements regarding both the country's economic situation and election preparations. Kılıç stated that his party is accelerating citizen and organization meetings across Turkey to prepare for elections, adding that they are in the field as if an election could happen at any moment.
Suat Kılıç emphasized that the cost of living and the loss of purchasing power of the minimum wage are more urgent issues than election debates. "Even if there is no election, there is the struggle for livelihood. Today, the first minimum wage of the year has fallen below the hunger threshold before it even reached the pockets of the workers," he stated.
Pointing out that social and economic developments in the country have strengthened the possibility of an early election, Kılıç argued that the grievances of citizens are increasing. Kılıç noted that in the past, the National View (Milli Görüş) movement produced permanent solutions to Turkey's fundamental problems, from terrorism to the economy.
Claiming that the end of the historic Refahyol government through military intervention left major issues in the country unresolved, Kılıç assessed that if Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan's premiership had continued, "Turkey would not have a problem called the PKK issue today."
A SEARCH FOR A NEW POLITICAL PATH OUTSIDE THE AKP AND CHP
In response to a question from journalists about which parties they could form an alliance with in a possible early election, Kılıç replied:
"The AK Party government plays a significant role in the history of Turkey's chronic problems. However, the CHP, as the main opposition party, cannot produce solutions either. Influenced by the trials in municipalities, the CHP cannot fulfill its function of being an alternative hope in society. We acknowledge the pressure from the government, we are aware of it; however, under current conditions, the CHP cannot create a secure alternative for Turkey."
Suat Kılıç emphasized that his party is "not condemned to the AK Party and the CHP," and by saying "We can open a new path together," he pointed out that the DEVA, Future (Gelecek), and Felicity (Saadet) parties, as well as other political formations carrying similar concerns and values, could meet under a common alliance umbrella. Kılıç used the following expressions:
"There is no possibility of us being in an alliance with the AK Party in the presidential elections, nor is there a possibility of us being in the same alliance as the Republican People's Party (CHP). We will open a new path; as a third way, we will be the true hope and final address of our nation. This is our goal."
Kılıç stated that when looking at their party's membership numbers and organizational structure, they do not have a threshold problem, but that creating synergy within an alliance is important to form a strong parliamentary group. He also said that a potential alliance could present a serious alternative for the second round of the presidential elections.
"MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE AT LEAST 45 THOUSAND TL"
Touching upon the economic agenda, Suat Kılıç made the following statement regarding support for SMEs after his remarks that the minimum wage should be at least 45 thousand liras:
"We say there that the gross minimum wage is already over 40 thousand liras. The state collects high taxes from the minimum wage. The state must waive the taxes collected on the minimum wage. The state must take responsibility. The state must bear the burden. In other words, public finance must take on responsibility. It should not leave the responsibility to the employer alone. Taxes in Turkey must be spread to the base."
Pointing out that the spread of betting games makes it difficult for football to remain clean, Kılıç also underlined that the country should move away from this area.
News Source: 12punto
