CHP leader Özel criticizes 'five families' cartel, promises tea and hazelnut guarantees

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has sharply criticized the current government's economic policies, focusing on the financial burdens of public-private partnerships. Speaking to producers in Rize, Özel highlighted the environmental damage from land reclamation and pollution caused by coastal fillings.

He specifically targeted the 30-year foreign currency-denominated payment guarantees given to bridge, highway, airport, and city hospital projects. "We will look at all these 30-year guarantees given from the nation's money," Özel stated, questioning their necessity. He contrasted this with his party's vision, promising, "In our government, there is no guarantee for the passage of the five families' cartel, but there is a purchase guarantee and price guarantee for tea and hazelnuts."

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From now on, we will look at all these 30-year guarantees given from the nation's money. These rich men got very rich, they took this money. We will think about whether it is really necessary to give it for another 30 years. In our government, there is no guarantee for the passage of the five families' cartel, but there is a purchase guarantee and price guarantee for tea and hazelnuts.

Özel also addressed the issues facing fishermen, lamenting the lack of an independent ministry for maritime affairs. He argued that the current departmental structure under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is insufficient to manage the sector's potential. To rectify this, he pledged to establish a "Ministry of Maritime Affairs" with an integrated "Coastal Fisheries General Directorate" to resolve the sector's problems through clean and affordable transportation.

Furthermore, Özel emphasized the need for a "Tea Law" to support the tea industry, which is the livelihood for 1.5 million people in the Eastern Black Sea region. He criticized the weakening of Çaykur, the state-owned tea company, stating, "It is not right for Çaykur to be so weakened, left alone without state support." He called for increased support for Çaykur and for the resolution of employment issues for its workers.

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It is not right for Çaykur to be so weakened, left alone without state support. Çaykur must be supported, and the employment problems of its workers must be solved.