TESK President Palandöken: Debt restructuring is essential for tradesmen's livelihood.

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TESK General President Bendevi Palandöken made a press statement regarding the solution proposals for the problems of tradesmen and artisans. "A comprehensive restructuring of debts to the state is essential for tradesmen to get back on their feet."

"LONG-TERM RESTRUCTURING IS ESSENTIAL FOR DEBTS TO THE STATE"

Stating that a new restructuring is needed for tradesmen and artisans to breathe easily in the high inflation climate, Palandöken said, "The increase in input costs due to inflation is putting significant pressure on our tradesmen and artisans. On one hand, rising rents, withholding tax, increases in fuel and energy costs, labor expenses, etc., are preventing our tradesmen from replacing the products they sell. For tradesmen to get back on their feet, a comprehensive and long-term restructuring of debts to the state, such as tax, traffic, and social security premium debts, is essential, just as it was before. With the recently enacted Law No. 7440, 156 billion TL was collected until the end of 2023. A new restructuring will provide income to the state budget and allow our citizens and tradesmen to breathe a sigh of relief," he stated.

"TRADESMEN ARE UNABLE TO DO BUSINESS"

Palandöken noted: "As is known, high inflation has really disrupted the balance of the markets. On one hand, the number of customers for tradesmen has decreased, and their income has fallen. On the other hand, a new restructuring is necessary, similar to previous periods, that is a bit longer-term and manageable for people, to meet their needs, revive the economy, and increase state revenue. However, on the contrary, people's accounts are being blocked. When they go to get money to pay their debts, they are told that they must completely pay off their debts to lift this block. If there were an installment plan, people would be comfortable and would pay off their debts with the money they receive, but when accounts are blocked, they remain completely inactive, causing a blockage in the economy. They cannot compete; due to input costs and rent, tradesmen are unable to do business. For tradesmen to survive, this is very important in terms of both employment and state tax revenue. Blocks should be lifted without wasting time."

"PEOPLE MUST BE ENABLED TO GET RID OF DEBT"

On the other hand, emphasizing that it is becoming increasingly difficult for tradesmen to access financing, Palandöken stated, "In the past, the low-interest loans that the state provided specifically for tradesmen and artisans were a lifeline. Tradesmen could close their debts thanks to those loans. However, as is known, the interest rates on these loans have now lost their attractiveness, making it even more difficult for tradesmen to access financing. Therefore, the restructuring law must be brought back to the agenda to enable people to get rid of their debts. With restructuring, our tradesmen can regulate their cash flow, achieve financial relief, and create a revival in the markets and a general atmosphere of trust," he said.