24.03.2026 16:34
CHP leader Özgür Özel suggested reducing the VAT to 1% against fuel price increases, arguing that this step would lower prices and limit inflation. Özel stated, "If we were in power, we would do this, and we are recommending it to the government."
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel made statements regarding the agenda at his party's group meeting. In the meeting that started with Emine Ülker Tarhan's return to CHP, Özel shared his proposed solutions to fuel price increases. Emphasizing that rising fuel prices trigger inflation, Özel stated that the government needs to take new measures.
"A PRICE INCREASE ON A PRODUCT IN TURKEY..."
Özel pointed out the impact of the war on fuel prices, saying, "The increases in fuel prices lead to a rise in inflation and an increase in product prices. We have not seen a product's price increase and then decrease in Turkey."
“CAN LOWER VAT TO 1%”
Highlighting the increase in diesel prices, Özel stated, “Diesel, which was 60 TL that day, is now 80 TL. If the Eşel Mobil System had not been implemented, diesel would be 94 TL today. However, the special consumption tax (ÖTV) has currently ended.” Suggesting a VAT reduction as a solution, Özel noted that President Erdoğan could lower VAT to 1% with a single signature, claiming that this step would reduce fuel prices by approximately 20%.
“IF IT WERE US, WE WOULD DO IT THIS WAY”
Özel also addressed the tension in the Hormuz Strait, stating that if the problem is resolved, the old tax rates could be reinstated. Özel expressed, “If it were us, we would do it this way and we are suggesting this to the government.”
TARHAN ALSO STARTED BY SAYING "DIESEL"
On the other hand, Emine Ülker Tarhan, who resigned from CHP in 2014 to establish the Anatolian Party, rejoined CHP after 11 years and 4 months. Starting her speech at the podium with the words, "I heard diesel is 80 lira, I came," Tarhan said, "We believe that the dried lands need to be colored again sooner or later. I say 'yes' to living together the honor and pain of being born here, and 'no' to the erasure of our perceptions and forgetting. You called, and I came."