09.05.2026 12:07
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated, "Stray animals have been collected at a rate of 80 percent. We plan to gather the street animals and place them in shelters or natural habitats by October. We are handling this matter with great sensitivity."
Çiftçi, answering questions on current issues during a live broadcast on A Haber, stated that he visited the "SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair" organized by SAHA Istanbul, the largest defense, aviation and space industry cluster in Turkey and Europe, at the Istanbul Fair Center.
Çiftçi expressed that developments in the defense industry are proud, noting that the domestic production rate has reached 80 percent and he hopes it will reach 100 percent, and spoke highly of the "YILDIRIMHAN" long-range missile. Çiftçi stated that Turkey has the capacity to produce even better ones.
SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
Answering questions about traffic rules, violations, penalties, and data, Çiftçi stated that traffic accidents cost Turkey approximately 280.6 billion dollars between 2015 and 2024, saying, "There is an annual average burden of 28 billion dollars from traffic accidents. This corresponds to 2.93 percent of the gross national product. It's a significant figure. When we look at the total social cost in 2024, we see that this cost of 28 billion dollars has increased even further: 61 billion dollars."
Çiftçi noted that following the new traffic fines, inspections have increased, but violations and fatal accidents have decreased significantly, especially a major decline in reckless weaving, drifting, and speeding violations, and a decrease in public order incidents in traffic. Emphasizing a meaningful decline in traffic violations since February 27, when the new traffic regulation came into effect, Çiftçi shared data showing reductions: reckless weaving by 92.6 percent; tachograph violations by 78.2 percent; drifting by 62.1 percent; speeding by up to 60 percent; failure to comply with a stop order by 51.8 percent; not wearing a helmet by 32.4 percent; driving without a license by 31 percent; mobile phone violations by 27.8 percent; and driving a vehicle despite having a license seized by 25.5 percent.
Stressing that the number of motorcycles in Turkey has increased rapidly in recent years, from 14.1 percent of all vehicles in 2019 to 21.3 percent in 2025, Çiftçi drew attention to the fact that the share of motorcycles in traffic accidents is approaching 50 percent. Çiftçi stated, "We held a meeting regarding traffic incidents. We laid all of this on the table and decided to increase inspections to reduce the number of motorcyclists and the accidents they are involved in. Because our goal here is to ensure these individuals comply with the rules, create a safe driving environment, and increase compliance rates with traffic rules."
MESSAGE OF FIGHT AGAINST CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS
Çiftçi stated that "new generation criminal organizations" heavily use social media and digital platforms, and unlike classic mafia structures, they do not have a specific center, hierarchy, or rules, saying, "We have declared this year, 2026, as the year of combating organized crime gangs and new generation organized crime gangs. Our operations will continue non-stop in 2026. Our goal this year is to render these criminal organizations unable to act or operate. We are absolutely determined on this matter."
Giving a message of determination in the fight against drugs, Çiftçi emphasized that the streets and young people will not be left to drug dealers, and their fight in this regard will continue.
Addressing citizens struggling with addiction, Çiftçi said, "I can recommend the YEDAMs at Yeşilay. They carry out a very good treatment process on a voluntary basis without disclosing their identities. If there are those in this situation, please apply to Yeşilay. Yeşilay is conducting a more effective fight."
Çiftçi pointed out that in the fight against drugs, no distinction is made between famous and non-famous individuals among those taken into custody, and that everyone involved in crime, from street dealers to drug lords, is targeted.
SECURITY IN SCHOOLS AND NEW IMPLEMENTATIONS
Answering a question about security measures in schools, Çiftçi stated that measures have been increased and that police, guards, and in some areas, security guards have been assigned based on risk assessment. Çiftçi explained that Safe School meetings are now held every month, and that it is not possible to assign police to all schools, so families, school administrations, and relevant institutions need to act together.
NEW PLAN FOR STRAY ANIMALS
Referring to efforts regarding stray animals, Çiftçi said, "Looking at all of Turkey, 80 percent of stray animals have been collected. A 20 percent portion remains. We plan to collect them all by the end of this year, in September or October, and take them to shelters or natural habitats."
Stating, "The place for stray animals is not streets, parks, or squares, but shelters," Çiftçi called on municipalities to complete shelters rapidly.
METU INCIDENTS AND GÜLİSTAN DOKU STATEMENT
Also touching upon the flag controversy at METU, Çiftçi stated that the incident was a provocation, saying, "This disrespect towards our flag is unforgivable."
Regarding the Gülistan Doku investigation, Çiftçi stated that efforts are ongoing and all resources have been mobilized to shed light on the incident.
POLICE HOUSING AND NEW REGULATIONS
Çiftçi stated that they are working on new regulations for the police force, adding that steps have been taken regarding the 12/36 shift system, personnel reinforcement, and overtime regulations.
He stated that to increase police housing in Istanbul, vehicle purchases would be reduced to focus on housing purchases.