18.06.2025 12:30
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is making statements at his party's group meeting in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).
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In his statements at the parliamentary group meeting of his party, President Erdoğan responded harshly to CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who came to the podium with a bottle filled with diesel.
"I DIDN'T KNOW HE OPERATED A FUEL STATION"
In his statements regarding the issue, President Erdoğan said, "Özel is making calculations based on a diesel bottle. I didn't know he operated a fuel station; I knew he was a pharmacist. His predecessor was a bit more skilled. It seems Özel's mathematics is not very enlightening."
HE MADE A CALCULATION: WHEN WE CAME TO OFFICE...
Continuing his remarks, Erdoğan stated, "When we came to office, the minimum wage was 184 lira," and added, "With that, 170 liters of diesel could be purchased. The minimum wage earner could fill up their vehicle 4 times. Today, however, 445 liters of diesel can be purchased, and they can fill their car's tank 10 times a month. The same ratios apply in dollar terms as well. There has been a significant improvement in the purchasing power of the minimum wage, but that does not mean everything is rosy. We are aware of the high cost of living. As we gain ground in the fight against inflation, we will further raise the living standards of our citizens."
Highlights from Erdoğan's statements;
"My dear nation, esteemed parliamentary colleagues, and valued guests, I greet each of you with my heartfelt feelings. I send my greetings and love to all citizens following our meeting. I once again extend my love and respect to my fellow party members and every member of the AK Party today.
I warmly greet the youth who inspire us with their excitement and enthusiasm. I hope our group meeting and evaluations will be beneficial for our country and our nation.
"I CONGRATULATE NUMAN BEY"
I congratulate Numan Bey, who has been elected to the position of Speaker of the Parliament for the second time. I sincerely congratulate our deputies who have taken on new duties or continue in their roles. We have just passed another blessed holiday. I once again congratulate you on your Eid al-Adha, which we have spent with a heavy heart due to the massacres in Gaza for 620 days. Holidays are times when the feelings of solidarity and sharing, as well as our unity, are reinforced. Our AK Party organization and municipalities were fully present, as they are every holiday. While strengthening the atmosphere of brotherhood with millions of our members through visits, we ensured that love and tolerance increased in people's hearts.
"I WANT TO SHARE A SORROW"
I express my gratitude to the organization members who work to ensure that the holiday is appropriately celebrated in every inch of our homeland. I pray that God does not let our absence be felt by this nation. I also want to share a sorrow. It is inappropriate for the main opposition party to separate itself from the nation during the holiday days when we set aside grievances and reconcile. I condemn those who cannot escape the influence of those who have settled in Istanbul. If we are to talk about an enemy law, this is the real enemy law.
"WE HAVE BECOME CONFUSED TOO"
Even during holidays, we see tension and polarization as a grave mistake. Politics cannot be done by separating from society; even if it is done, it brings no good to the nation or the country. Instead of paying attention to warning signs and getting their act together, they are sinking deeper. Those who are fattening the municipalities are using the main opposition as a human shield, infecting Turkish politics as well. Even if they are our political rivals, we do not find this picture acceptable. We believe that Özel and his team should abandon their insistence on being wrong and benefit from effective remorse. Not only does the CHP need to change, but Turkish democracy also needs this. It is shameful for the main opposition to be preoccupied with the debate of who will spit in whose face. One says you stole, the other says you stole more. Hitmen are secretly delivering tapes. They hurl the harshest insults at the presidential candidates they could not praise enough just 2 years ago. Can there be such a main opposition party? Are we watching a political party or a soap opera? We have become confused too.
"NOT EVERYTHING IS ROSE-COLORED"
Özel is making calculations based on a diesel bottle. I didn't know he operated a fuel station; I knew he was a pharmacist. His predecessor was a bit more skilled. It seems Özel's mathematics is not very enlightening. When we came to office, the minimum wage was 184 lira. With that, 170 liters of diesel could be purchased. The minimum wage earner could fill up their vehicle 4 times. Today, however, 445 liters of diesel can be purchased, and they can fill their car's tank 10 times a month. The same ratios apply in dollar terms as well. There has been a significant improvement in the purchasing power of the minimum wage, but that does not mean everything is rosy. We are aware of the high cost of living. As we gain ground in the fight against inflation, we will further raise the living standards of our citizens."
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