07.09.2025 16:53
The leader of the New Welfare Party, Fatih Erbakan, reacted strongly to the proposal for a delegation selected from the members of the MHP's commission to visit İmralı. Erbakan stated, "We do not look favorably upon elected representatives going to İmralı at the behest of the people's will. If such a thing were to happen, we would even consider withdrawing from the commission."
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Leader of the New Welfare Party, Fatih Erbakan, made statements regarding the country's agenda at a press conference held before the 'Provincial Chairmen's Meeting'. Responding to the MHP's suggestion of "sending a delegation to Imralı," Erbakan stated, "If such a thing happens, we will even consider withdrawing from the commission."
Erbakan said, "Mathematically, today in Turkey, 45% of the people have an income below the hunger line. 'Well, they are not starving'; because there are social aids, charity, and zakat. Otherwise, the income they earn is not enough to fill their stomachs. 85% of the population is poor. Today, a pension is at half the hunger line. The hunger line has exceeded 27 thousand lira. The pension is at 14 thousand 469 lira. Therefore, according to the data from the Social Security Institution and the Turkish Statistical Institute; today, 7 out of 10 retirees in Turkey continue to be part of the workforce. According to this data, out of 12.2 million retirees, 8.6 million continue to work. Because it is impossible for them to survive and continue their lives with the pension income they receive," he stated.
"THE LIVING COST OF A FAMILY HAS REACHED 98 THOUSAND 775 LIRA"
Erbakan stated, "The minimum wage is 22 thousand lira, which is a quarter of the poverty line. We are currently addressing the main concerns and agenda of 85% of the population. If two minimum wages enter a household, they have an income equal to half of the poverty line. As of August, the living cost for a family of four in Istanbul has reached 98 thousand 775 lira. The poverty line across Turkey is at the level of 90 thousand lira, while in Istanbul, it is 100 thousand lira. If we also follow the advice of the President and have three children, you need to find 125 thousand lira a month for a family of five in Istanbul to live without assistance. This is the real issue we need to address. Nearly 20 million people receive social assistance every year. There is no longer any justice in income and wealth distribution. The Ministry of Family and Social Services has just announced the figure that confirms my earlier statement that '20 million people receive social assistance.' 4 million 262 thousand households receive social assistance. 4 million 262 thousand households mean approximately 20 million people. 'If you do not transition to a production, employment, and export-based economic model instead of a debt, interest, price increase, and tax economy, Turkey cannot be saved, and neither can you,' we said, but they did not listen," he said.
"WE NEED TO TAKE INITIATIVE FOR GAZA"
Erbakan stated, "Since the events of October 7 began, we have told the ruling authority that 'you must take action, you must take initiative. This cannot be resolved with talk, condemnation, or curses.' Unfortunately, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is still gathering, issuing a statement, and dispersing. Isn't it high time to issue statements, condemn, and call on international organizations to act? Even Spain is dropping aid from the air. As descendants of ancestors who have been the guardians of Palestine for centuries, we are unfortunately unable to deliver even a loaf of bread or a drop of water to Palestine. In Turkey, condemnations and denunciations are at a higher level than in all other countries, but unfortunately, no action is being taken. At the very least, close the Kürecik Radar Base, which serves to protect Israel; let our stance be clear," he expressed.
"THE 3RD ORDINARY CONGRESS WILL BE HELD IN NOVEMBER"
Erbakan stated, "We do not approve of the commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey forming such a delegation and sending it to Imralı in any way. If anyone is to meet with Imralı, it is the MIT. The state is already in contact, the MIT is already in contact. DEM Party deputies are already in contact. If they have something to say, let them say it through these channels. We do not look favorably upon the deputies elected by the will of the people going to the feet of Imralı. If such a thing happens, we will even consider withdrawing from the commission."
Erbakan also announced that the 3rd Ordinary Congress of the New Welfare Party will be held in November at the Ankara Arena Sports Hall.
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