Turkey's inflation blamed on ruling party, says opposition leader

Ali Babacan, the leader of Turkey's DEVA Party, has sharply criticized the current government, asserting that it is solely responsible for the nation's rampant inflation. Speaking at a party meeting, Babacan argued that the ruling administration is both the culprit and the bearer of responsibility for the ongoing economic hardship faced by citizens.

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Justice is not just about swift and fair decisions in the judiciary; justice is also about equal opportunity.

Babacan also focused on perceived injustices within the public sector hiring process. He described the interview system, particularly for positions filled through the KPSS (Public Personnel Selection Examination), as a "polite name for favoritism." He stated that regardless of high KPSS scores, young job seekers are often rejected if their political views do not align with those of the interviewers. Babacan called for the abolition of these interviews, advocating for objective, fair, and transparent recruitment principles for state employment.

He further accused the ruling party of breaking promises made before the 2023 elections, specifically regarding the removal of interviews. Babacan claimed that President Erdoğan had pledged to end the interview system to garner votes but reneged on this promise after securing victory, likening this to broken promises concerning interest rates.

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This interview is a polite name for favoritism.

Addressing the precarious situation of contract teachers, Babacan emphasized their significant sacrifices, with many working for 10, 20, or even more years without retirement benefits. He called for a system that provides reasonable salaries comparable to other teachers and, crucially, grants them retirement rights. He described the denial of these rights as "oppression" and "robbery of rights."

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We are hearing the voices of those who work and do not receive their due, but there are also those who are laid off, who are dismissed.

Babacan warned that economic problems will continue to affect a broader segment of the population unless economic conditions improve and financing costs decrease. He pointed to alarming figures in the ready-to-wear sector, where 390,000 people have lost their jobs, and noted that 19,000 individuals were laid off from Kuyumcukent in Istanbul alone over the past year, leaving them with no recourse.

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The number of people laid off in the ready-to-wear sector has reached 390,000.