BBP leader Mustafa Destici: The institution of family is Turkey's main survival issue.

08.01.2026 14:22

Mustafa Destici, the leader of the Great Unity Party, made evaluations on current issues in the "Anatolian Conversations" program. Destici argued that the use of the internet and social media threatens family structure, stating that the institution of family is Turkey's main survival issue. Emphasizing that applications like TikTok should be shut down immediately, Destici described the decline of the fertility rate in Turkey to 1.4 as a "silent disaster."

The General President of the Great Unity Party (BBP), Mustafa Destici, met with journalists at the 'Anatolian Conversations' program organized by the Turkish Press Federation (TÜBAF). Providing comprehensive evaluations on the agenda, Destici made statements regarding the presence of the SDF in Syria, the ongoing process with the PKK, pension salaries, the internet and family structure, the discussions about the presidential candidacy in the CHP, the actions of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, and the foreign policy of U.S. President Donald Trump.

"THE REGIME IN SYRIA HAS CHANGED, BUT THE THREAT HAS NOT ENDED"

At the beginning of his speech, Mustafa Destici evaluated the recent developments in Syria, stating that there was a "minority and junta regime" in the country in the past, and expressed that they welcomed the overthrow of the Assad regime positively on behalf of both the party and the country. However, he mentioned that the strengthening of the PKK in northern Syria with U.S. support after the regime change posed a new and serious threat. Destici said, "Since 2014, a terrorist organization has emerged that the U.S. has trained, equipped, and protected through CENTCOM. Five cantons have been established, each with thousands of armed elements. Today, this structure has come to control about one-third of Syria with America's support," he stated. Destici emphasized that the SDF did not comply with the March 10 agreement and that the conflicts in Aleppo were a clear indication of this.

"AS LONG AS THERE IS U.S. SUPPORT, THE SDF WILL NOT DISARM"

Destici emphasized that expectations for the SDF to dissolve or disarm were unrealistic, stating that this structure acted as part of the long-term plans of the U.S. and Israel for the Middle East. He noted that the SDF maintained its presence in the field not by its own will, but largely with the military, political, and logistical support of the United States, saying, "As long as U.S. support continues, the SDF will neither disarm nor fully integrate with the Syrian central government. They sometimes give positive messages and then step back. This is entirely a tactic to delay the process," he said.

"WE DO NOT WANT TO BE IGNORED AT THE TABLE"

Destici also argued that Turkey was being deliberately sidelined in the Syrian equation, harshly criticizing the exclusion of Turkey from critical talks regarding Syria and Israel held in Paris. Destici stated, "Turkey is effectively present on the ground, at the center of this process with its military power, diplomatic weight, and border security. However, we are being ignored at the table. There is an effort to negate the successes achieved on the ground at the negotiating table. Turkey must not allow this and should firmly advocate its positions on every platform," he evaluated.

"A TURKEY WITHOUT TERRORISM CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED WITH THE COMPLETE DISSOLUTION OF THE PKK"

Responding clearly to journalists' question, "Will the process of a Turkey without terrorism succeed?", Destici stated that he had no doubts about the state's goodwill but said that the other side was insincere. Destici remarked, "We trust our state, but we never trust the PKK. We are talking about a structure that is under the control of the U.S. No constitution can be discussed, nor any law, without disarming or dissolving." He emphasized that the PKK must disarm not only in Turkey but also in all its extensions in Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Europe, stating that otherwise, the process would not succeed.

"PENSION SALARIES HAVE TURNED INTO A SOCIAL CRISIS"

Also evaluating the economy and pension salaries, Destici stated that the current situation was unsustainable, pointing out that the lowest pension salary had dramatically decreased in proportion to working salaries. Destici said, "In 2023, the lowest pension was at 65% of the lowest civil servant salary. Today, this rate has dropped to 30%. This is unacceptable." Providing concrete examples through rent increases, Destici expressed that the purchasing power of retirees was eroding every day. He stated, "An increase of 1,000-2,000 lira for retirees will not solve the problem. It needs to be raised to at least 30,000 lira." Additionally, pointing out the injustice among the number of premium days, Destici stated that the pension system needed to be restructured in a gradual and fair manner.

"THE FAMILY INSTITUTION IS TURKEY'S MAIN SURVIVAL ISSUE"

Destici argued that the use of the internet and social media threatened the family structure, emphasizing that the negative effects on children should not be overlooked. He expressed his concern about the negative impacts of internet and social media usage, especially on children and young people, stating that protecting the family institution was one of the most critical issues for Turkey. He noted that while the widespread use of the internet made access to information easier, it also made harmful content accessible at any time, which seriously threatened the family and, consequently, society.

"TIKTOK MUST BE SHUT DOWN IMMEDIATELY"

Especially arguing that applications like TikTok should be shut down immediately, Destici stated that internet access for children under 15 should be restricted with filtering and monitoring mechanisms. He expressed that protecting the family was much more important than economic fluctuations and foreign policy crises. Describing the decline in Turkey's fertility rate to 1.4 as a "silent disaster," Destici emphasized that the deterioration of the family structure would shake the fundamental structure of the state in the long run. He also stated that regulations supporting women's participation in the workforce, mandatory daycare requirements, and family-oriented social policies would play an important role in preserving family integrity. Destici expressed that the transfer of knowledge and values that was lacking in the education system was now being provided through families and digital environments, and therefore, regulations that would ensure young people access to accurate information and healthy guidance were inevitable, stating that regulations regarding internet and social media usage were a critical step for the future of society and the healthy development of young people.

"A TURKISH NATIONALIST CANDIDATE WILL NOT EMERGE FROM CHP"

Addressing the discussions about the presidential candidacy in the CHP, Destici expressed that he saw the likelihood of Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş being a joint candidate of nationalist parties as quite low. Acknowledging that Yavaş came from a nationalist political background, Destici argued that this identity had significantly eroded at the current point.

"THIS PARTY HAS A PROBLEMATIC RECORD FOR TURKISH NATIONALISTS"

Destici pointed out the historical background of the CHP, stating that this party has a problematic record for Turkish nationalists. Arguing that Turkish nationalists have faced oppression, exile, and exclusion from the single-party era to the following years, Destici said, "It is impossible for a Turkish nationalist president to emerge from such a political tradition." He suggested that the rhetoric and stance of some individuals within the CHP do not align with Turkish nationalism, indicating that this situation poses a serious obstacle to Mansur Yavaş receiving strong support from the nationalist base.

"THE CANDIDATE OF NATIONALISTS IS ERDOĞAN"

Additionally, Destici emphasized that the decisive factor in the presidential election is not only personal popularity but also a strong political alliance and a clear ideological stance. From this perspective, he argued that Mansur Yavaş is not in a position to be a "primary contender" against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the candidate of the People's Alliance, stating, "If a politician sees that they will enter the election from the second position, they will not participate in this race."

"TRAFFIC AND WATER ISSUES IN ANKARA GREW DURING CHP'S TERM"

Criticizing the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality with harsh words, Destici claimed that the traffic and water issues that have not been on the agenda for years in the capital have significantly increased during the CHP administration. Reminding that Ankara was one of the metropolitan cities with the most comfortable transportation network in Turkey in the past, Destici said, "As someone who has lived in Ankara since the 1970s, I can say that Ankara's biggest advantage was the absence of a traffic problem. Today, however, we are faced with a situation that rivals Istanbul. Traffic is practically paralyzed on the main arteries, bypass roads, and in the city center." He noted that the water issue has become a much more vital problem, arguing that the interruptions experienced in Ankara, especially in recent years, and the lack of water lasting for days in some neighborhoods indicate a serious management failure. "Drought, climate change, and population growth are well-known facts for years. Nevertheless, no permanent water investments have been made to secure Ankara's future. There are no dams, new water sources, or projects to strengthen the infrastructure," said Destici, expressing that the current water crisis has been coming for a long time.

Reminding that the loss and leakage rates in Ankara are around 35-40 percent, Destici stated that this situation leads to both water waste and significant economic loss. Citing the example of the SCADA system implemented in the Sivas Municipality under the leadership of the Great Unity Party, Destici said, "We prevented the water from the dam from flowing wastefully until it reached the tap in Sivas. We renewed the infrastructure, established digital tracking systems, and reduced the loss and leakage from 40 percent to 20 percent. Ankara's budget and technical capabilities are many times greater than Sivas. Nevertheless, the failure to implement such a system is unacceptable." Destici suggested that the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality has prioritized short-term and populist projects over infrastructure investments, stating, "Issues concerning the future of the city, such as metro, new roads, and intersections, are being postponed. Ankara cannot be managed with temporary projects aimed at winning votes. The capital needs an understanding that plans for tomorrow, not just for today."

"THE U.S. ACTS LIKE A ROGUE STATE"

Criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump's policies towards Venezuela and the Middle East with harsh words, Destici stated that the Washington administration threatens global peace. "Without the U.S., Israel could not commit genocide in Gaza. America today acts like a rogue state that does not recognize international law."

"I DO NOT SEE GÜLBEN ERGEN AS AN ARTIST"

Addressing the question posed at the end of the meeting, "Is Gülben Ergen an artist?" Destici took a clear stance, stating that the concept of artistry should not be used for everyone. Emphasizing that art carries the responsibility of being an example to society, Destici said, "Not everyone who sings two folk songs or is popular is an artist. The person you call an artist is remembered for their stance, the value they add to society, and their moral responsibility. From this perspective, I do not see Gülben Ergen as an artist."

The program concluded with a group photo session after the journalists' questions. Destici thanked the Turkey Press Federation and the press members.