Erdoğan steps in after scandalous remarks! Ban on 2 AKP deputies

While citizens are struggling with the economic crisis, recent statements made within the AKP, particularly those targeting retired citizens, have sparked public backlash.

Following the reactions, it is alleged that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has banned two deputies from making statements to the media or appearing on television.

According to a report by İsmail Saymaz, this decision covers Mersin Deputy Hasan Ufuk Çakır (who had resigned from the CHP to join the AKP), who drew public ire with his remarks regarding retirees, and Tekirdağ Deputy Mestan Özcan, who made headlines with his comments about his salary.

DEPUTIES WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MORE VISIBLE, BUT IT BACKFIRED

While the party aimed to change its strategy to have deputies appear more frequently on television programs, the negative examples that occurred have led to a rethink of this policy. According to information obtained from within the AKP, especially following controversial statements, the party leadership decided that deputies should be more controlled in their public appearances throughout the process.

HASAN UFUK ÇAKIR HAD TARGETED RETIREES

Hasan Ufuk Çakır recently made headlines regarding retirement pensions with the words, “They are stomping their feet saying the retirement pension is 20 thousand TL. My brother, you are not living in Switzerland. You have Greece, Armenia, and Syria around you.” These expressions caused controversy both on social media and within the party.

MESTAN ÖZCAN'S SALARY REMARK

On the other hand, the statement made by Tekirdağ Deputy Mestan Özcan at an event, “Let me put it this way; I will give you my retirement pension and my deputy salary, and you come and manage these within a month, do it. They raised the prices of all the food in Parliament! Because of you, we are eating at increased prices. They raised the prices five times,” also drew backlash from large segments of the public. Following this statement, Chief Advisor to the President Oktay Saral also reacted, stating, “He has been slapped enough, he regrets his words.”

News Source: 12punto