Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ visited the Denizli Burdurlular Association, where he met with Association President Şükrü Sezen and its members. According to the statement released by the party, Özdağ discussed constitutional amendment debates, economic developments, agricultural policies, and the fight against drugs during his visit.
Özdağ targeted the government's economic management over the "fund crisis" allegations currently on the agenda. Claiming that an individual invested 164 million liras and received 2.2 billion liras just a few months later, Özdağ stated, "Where are you finding this 164 million? What do you do for a living? Which factory are you running that you found this money?"
Arguing that these allegations demonstrate the injustice in income distribution and the government's approach to economic management, Özdağ said, "This corruption is the most concrete example of how the Turkish economy is being managed."
CONSTITUTIONAL AND ECONOMIC CRITICISM
Touching upon the constitutional amendment debates in his speech, Özdağ argued that there is an intention to change Articles 42 and 66 of the Constitution. He claimed that discussions regarding languages other than Turkish becoming a medium of instruction and the definition of citizenship are of a nature that would affect the structure of the state.
Stating that he visited the Babadağlılar Business Center in Denizli, Özdağ noted that tradespeople in the textile sector are complaining about economic conditions. Expressing that the tradespeople he spoke with said they "have never seen such a bad year," Özdağ remarked, "The tradespeople are finished. Economic conditions are at zero."
Özdağ drew attention to the problems faced by the Denizli economy due to employment losses and business closures in the textile sector. Stating that there is information that 45 large textile companies in the city have ceased operations and have been put up for sale, Özdağ emphasized the need for planned development.
Speaking on agricultural policies, Özdağ argued that Turkey has failed to create high added value in products such as olive oil and grapes. He stated that the State Planning Organization should be re-established, a transition to a planned economy should be made, and villages should be revitalized.
WARNING THAT "ANATOLIA WILL BE EMPTIED"
Criticizing the conversion of villages into neighborhoods following the Metropolitan Municipality Law, Özdağ said that the closure of village schools has led to the young population moving away from rural areas. Noting that the average age in villages is rising, Özdağ said, "Anatolia will be emptied. We cannot allow this."
Özdağ also made allegations regarding drug and online gambling addiction. Claiming that there are 4 million drug addicts and 2 million online gambling addicts in Turkey, Özdağ argued that the current legal framework is insufficient for the fight against these issues.
Stating that treatment should be made mandatory, Özdağ said, "It is legally essential that we treat drug and online gambling gangs as terrorist organizations."
Stating that the Zafer Party has prepared reports in various fields ranging from education to counter-terrorism, and from the fight against drugs and online gambling to sustainable planned development, Özdağ said they would also discuss economic projects with business world representatives in Denizli.
News Source: 12punto
