02.02.2026 12:22
Hasan Ufuk Çakır, who recently joined the AK Party, drew reactions with his remarks about retirement salaries; Şamil Tayyar stated that President Erdoğan is also disturbed by these statements.
In recent weeks, the statements of Mersin Deputy Hasan Ufuk Çakır, who resigned from the CHP and joined the AK Party regarding retirement pensions, ignited a new debate. It was noted that Çakır's words also disturbed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
STATEMENTS ABOUT RETIREES SPARKED REACTIONS
Hasan Ufuk Çakır, who drew attention with the military salute he gave to President Erdoğan during the process of joining the AK Party, harshly criticized citizens who criticized retirement pensions during a program he attended. Çakır criticized the discussion of a 20,000 lira retirement pension, emphasizing the geopolitical conditions Turkey is in and using a dismissive language regarding the demands of retirees based on security threats. These statements resonated widely in the public, especially drawing reactions from the retired segment.
SHAMIL TAYYAR: THE PRESIDENT IS ALSO UNCOMFORTABLE
Former AK Party Deputy Shamil Tayyar stated in a post on his social media account that Çakır's words were unacceptable. Tayyar expressed that President Erdoğan and the party leadership were also uncomfortable with these statements. In his post, Tayyar also brought up his criticisms regarding the parliamentary election system and reiterated his proposal for a single-member district election system. Arguing that the current system produces "lottery deputies," Tayyar stated that a model that strengthens the will of the voters would increase the effectiveness of the Parliament.
THE ECHOES CONTINUE WITHIN THE PARTY
The discomfort experienced within the AK Party following Hasan Ufuk Çakır's statements towards retirees has also brought discussions about party discipline and unity of discourse. While no official statement has been made by the AK Party leadership regarding the issue, comments are being made in the corridors that Çakır's remarks have harmed the party.
WHAT DID ÇAKIR SAY?
Hasan Ufuk Çakır made the following statements during a program he attended: "They keep trampling on the retirement pension. Brother, you are not living in Switzerland. On that side, there is Greece. Over here, there is Armenia. Down below, there is Syria. The occupying forces are ready at the top. When the English come from this side, are they not going to look at my wife and not at your honor? Why don't you think about this? Let's give a respectful applause to those two statesmen who are trying to end terrorism in Turkey!"