Turkish opposition lawmaker slams government over '3Ys': corruption, restrictions, poverty

Süleyman Bülbül, a lawmaker for the opposition YENİ Party in Turkey's Aydın province, has sharply criticized the ruling government's performance, focusing on what he termed the "3Ys": corruption, restrictions, and poverty.

“

Today, relatives of martyrs and veterans could not enter, they wanted to attend the meeting for their legal regulations, they could not enter the National Defense Committee meeting.

During a speech at the Grand National Assembly, Bülbül drew parallels between the current situation and 2010, when he first addressed similar issues as a local party official. He argued that despite years of the current administration's rule, the problems of corruption, restrictions, and poverty persist. Bülbül pointed to a lack of accountability in corruption cases, noting that prosecutions often target opposition figures rather than government officials. He also questioned the implementation of international standards like GRECO rules and the Council of Europe's oversight capabilities.

The lawmaker further elaborated on the issue of restrictions, citing an instance where relatives of martyrs and veterans were denied entry to a National Defense Committee meeting. He also raised concerns about the rights of contract workers in private schools and individuals affected by interview processes, questioning the adherence to constitutional articles and principles of proportionality.

“

You cannot rent a house with 20,000 lira, with the increase, 23,555 lira. How will you rent a house? The hunger line has reached 36,000, you have increased the minimum wage to 28,078 lira, the minimum pension you give is 23,555 lira, and you say 'We gave the pensioner his due.' Shameful, shameful.

Bülbül expressed deep concern over the economic struggles of ordinary citizens, particularly pensioners and those earning the minimum wage. He contrasted the current situation with his father's experience as a retired Sümerbank worker, who could afford a home on his pension. Today, Bülbül stated, a pension of around 23,555 Turkish lira is insufficient to even rent a home, let alone cover other living expenses, especially with the poverty line exceeding 36,000 lira. He also criticized the government's agricultural policies, claiming they have devastated Turkish farmers, leading to increased cotton imports.

“

You finished the Turkish farmer. In the Büyük Menderes basin, cotton production used to be abundant, you went and bought cotton from Greece and Kazakhstan, you finished the Turkish farmer. Is it a lie?