Fatih Erbakan, the leader of the Yeniden Refah Party, made significant statements regarding the economy and the ‘Terror-Free Turkey’ process during a press conference held before his party’s Provincial Chairmen Meeting at the National Youth Association. Erbakan emphasized that Turkey is currently grappling with both moral and spiritual erosion, alongside pressing economic challenges.
Economic Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Erbakan highlighted the nation’s need for the National View’s economic development initiatives and a fair distribution of wealth. He advocated for a shift from an economy reliant on debt, interest, price hikes, and taxes to one focused on production, employment, and exports.
Minimum Wage Proposal: 45,000 Liras
Responding to journalists’ questions concerning the minimum wage, Erbakan asserted, “We state that the minimum wage should be at least 45,000 liras.” He stressed the importance of reflecting economic growth in the minimum wage and elevating it to the poverty line level for two minimum wage earners. Erbakan elaborated on how this increase could be funded: “If the government allocates a portion of the money it spends on interest and redirects funds from extravagance and privileges to the minimum wage, the state could easily cover the entirety of this increase.” He even suggested a model where “one salary comes from the employer, and one salary comes from the state,” which would prevent employers from being overburdened.
Referendum Proposal for ‘Terror-Free Turkey’ Process
Erbakan also shared his views on the ‘Terror-Free Turkey’ process, stating, “From the very beginning of the process, we have always said that this disarmament must include PYD and YPG, and that the process will not be completely over with just the PKK organization laying down arms.” He noted that the ruling party appears to share similar sentiments on this matter. Furthermore, Erbakan emphasized that no steps should be taken that would upset or be disapproved by the families of martyrs and veterans. He specifically mentioned that it would not be appropriate for Öcalan to benefit from a ‘right to hope’.
A Call for Public Vote on Amnesty
Erbakan’s primary recommendation for this process is to subject any legal arrangements to a referendum. “Our suggestion is that legal arrangements to be made in this regard should be put to a referendum,” he stated. He explained his rationale: “If our nation approves the amnesty for PKK leaders or PKK members who have not been involved in crimes in the referendum, then they should be pardoned; if they do not approve, then they should not be pardoned.” Erbakan concluded, “Since we say ‘Our nation wants this’ and ‘We will carry out this process together with our nation,’ then this referendum would be extremely appropriate.”
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/fatih-erbakan-asgari-ucret-en-az-45-bin-lira-o-2777136
