Following Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu's announcement that a mandatory declaration of a Turkish ID number would be introduced for the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products, a notable objection came from Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral.
In a statement on his social media account, Saral argued that the practice could create privacy concerns among citizens and that the decision should be re-evaluated.
Requesting a citizen's Turkish ID number to buy a pack of cigarettes should not be seen as an acceptable practice.
Decisions that will create question marks in the minds of citizens and raise privacy concerns should be reconsidered before they are taken.
Pointing to the political consequences of the move, Saral stated that no "extra burden" should be placed on the President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
While our President is struggling with the issues of our country on one hand, he should not be forced to carry the burden of decisions that will draw the reaction of the nation on the other.
Supporting our President is possible not by increasing his burden, but by taking the right steps that will win the heart of the nation.
It is necessary to hear the voice of our nation on this issue and act with common sense.
The regulation, which is stated to have been prepared by the Ministry of Health regarding the sale of tobacco products, has become a topic of debate within the ruling party following Saral's statement.
News Source: 12punto
