08.12.2025 21:07
The Chairman of the CHP, Özgür Özel, made a statement during the discussions on the 2026 Central Government Budget Law Proposal, criticizing the tax system by saying, "If the budget is not made for the people, the parliament is just a building." Özel also criticized Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz's statement, "We recorded a negative growth of 12.7%," saying, "Politics is not always about winning and receiving applause; after such a terrible performance, it also requires coming to this podium and making a self-criticism."
The discussions on the 2026 Budget Law Proposal have begun in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel delivered a speech at the podium to make a comprehensive evaluation on behalf of his party and group.
TAX SYSTEM EXIT
Criticizing the government based on Turkey's inflation, interest, and poverty data, Özel stated, "If the budget is not made for the people, the parliament is just a building."
PROTESTED CEVDAT YILMAZ
In his speech, Özel also addressed the 12.7% contraction in agriculture. Criticizing Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz's statement, "We recorded a negative 12.7% growth," Özel said: "Mr. Vice President, a negative 12.7% growth is not recorded. A negative 12.7% is a contraction. I understand the embarrassment of those who say 'moderate growth' when growth is not as desired, but politics is not always about winning or receiving applause; after such a terrible performance, it also requires coming to this podium and making a self-criticism."
"THE CAR HAS BECOME A WHEELED TAX OFFICE"
Özel stated that Turkey is the leader in Europe in tax injustice, saying that the burden of indirect taxes (special consumption tax, value-added tax) is on the shoulders of low-income individuals. The CHP leader drew attention to the tax gap between luxury consumption and basic needs, using the following expressions:
"No tax is collected on diamonds, emeralds, or luxury watches, but special consumption tax is collected on kitchen gas cylinders and nail clippers. In Turkey, a car is a wheeled tax office. The price of a 700,000 lira vehicle exceeds 1.5 million with taxes. We propose a system where special consumption tax will be collected from diamonds and luxury vehicles; where the rich, not the minimum wage earners, will pay taxes."