Yankı Bağcıoğlu draws attention to problems in the TAF: 'Lodgings have been left to rot'

CHP Deputy Chairman and retired Rear Admiral Yankı Bağcıoğlu, responsible for the Ministry of National Defense, the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) personnel, issued a written statement regarding the housing problems they face. Bağcıoğlu stated that the misguided economic policies pursued over the last 20 years and the decline in social facilities provided to military personnel have left TAF personnel in a difficult situation.

CHP Deputy Chairman and retired Rear Admiral Bağcıoğlu, responsible for the Ministry of National Defense, said, "Today, a significant majority of TAF personnel, especially young ranked personnel, are forced to spend a large portion of their salaries on housing needs or are forced to live in unhealthy structures."

'LODGINGS HAVE BEEN LEFT TO ROT'

Bağcıoğlu alleged that following the July 15 coup attempt, many military units were closed under the pretext of moving them outside the city, and that the land belonging to these units was handed over to businesspeople close to the government as part of rent-seeking projects. Stating that financial resources necessary for the maintenance and repair of lodgings were cut during this process, Bağcıoğlu "Lodgings have effectively been left to rot" he stated.

'HOUSING PROBLEM IS AS IMPORTANT AS SECURITY PROBLEM'

Yankı Bağcıoğlu pointed out the importance of TAF personnel being able to join their units rapidly in the event of any alarm due to their duties, and emphasized that the safety of the personnel's families is at least as important as the housing problem.

PRESENTED PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

Bağcıoğlu, Ministry of National Defense stating that the financial resources allocated from the budget remain insufficient, he said that new approaches must be developed for a solution. In this context, he made proposals such as transferring a portion of the revenue generated from rent-seeking projects to lodging projects, repairing existing lodgings, and having OYAK develop social housing projects.

CHP Deputy Chairman Bağcıoğlu said, "Decisions regarding the relocation of military units, especially those made after July 15, should be reviewed, and regulations that prioritize the social problems of personnel, such as housing, must be implemented."

News Source: 12punto