Hasan Taçoy: Retiree Pensions Falling Below Minimum Wage

Hasan Taçoy, a Member of Parliament for the National Unity Party and chairmanship candidate for the upcoming UBP congress made statements regarding current issues on Hakikat TV.

Pointing out the increasing disparity among segments in the country's income distribution, Taçoy stated that the lower segment below the middle income is growing, while their purchasing power is rapidly decreasing.

Taçoy noted that this segment is facing serious financial difficulties, stating that economic development is reflected more in the upper class.

Stressing the importance of correctly analyzing the reasons behind this, Taçoy said, "Bringing labor from abroad to ensure lower prices, not providing the necessary salary to local workers, and keeping their wages low will lead to this problem."

Taçoy expressed that laws enacted have led to retiree pensions falling below the minimum wage, emphasizing the need to identify what can be done to reduce the lower segment in income distribution.

Regarding the UBP congress, Taçoy emphasized that everything they say aims to present a different and correct vision for overcoming the country's current problems. He stated, "It's not a situation where the goat is worried about its life, and the butcher is worried about meat. Like everyone else, we are concerned about life, and we are putting forward what needs to be done for it."

Taçoy questioned the purpose of holding the congress if they were to continue in the same manner, highlighting their goal of bringing a team and leadership that understands the sentiments of the people and speaks the same language as the citizens, thereby fulfilling the expectations of the citizens for change.

Taçoy also mentioned that it is not the people sitting in positions but the duties that should be permanent.

Expressing their determination to solve the problems in the UBP presidency, Taçoy reminded that no decision has been made yet regarding the congress.

Taçoy pointed out that many rumors about the congress are circulating as urban legends, stating, "We are not involved in any of these. It is best for those involved to respond."

"We don't engage in gossip, and we look ahead. Regarding the upcoming process, we say this: This country needs better management, and we are candidates for that. When the decision for the congress is made, we will also announce our projects. We will share our goals, vision, and how we will achieve them with the public," Taçoy said.

Taçoy also addressed the rumors spread by some individuals that he would withdraw from candidacy, emphasizing that he has not faced any pressure in this regard and that withdrawal is not and will not be an option.

Regarding meat prices, Taçoy stated that importing meat would not be beneficial and emphasized that the important thing is how and where incentives are provided. He recounted that he had also conveyed this to Prime Minister Üstel.

Taçoy expressed the need to embark on the road by incentivizing all, stating that if this is done, when the final point is reached, a figure lower than the price anticipated by the government will naturally emerge.

Pointing out that the proposed step for selling goods to foreigners creates anxiety and insecurity, Taçoy said, "This issue needs to be discussed multiple times. We must conclude the issue accordingly."

Taçoy emphasized that the views on this issue are tied to the essence of the Cyprus problem, highlighting the impact of every step taken on external representation and internal economy.

Taçoy emphasized the need for not only the Ministry of Interior but also economists to be involved in the discussion of the issue from every aspect, including legal ones, stating, "The result depends on you seeing where you stand on the Cyprus issue."

Reminding that some circles demand a trilateral conference on the Cyprus issue, Taçoy said that while doing this, it should not be forgotten that the Greek Cypriot Administration ignores the Turkish Cypriot side.

"The starting point should be this: Does the Greek Cypriot Administration really want an agreement? To this question, I respond with the following question: Does the Greek Cypriot Administration want to share the power it uses under the name of the Republic of Cyprus with the Turkish Cypriots? The Greek side uses the power it gains from the Republic of Cyprus to the fullest and never wants to share it with the Turkish Cypriots," said Taçoy.

Highlighting that internal politics should not present this situation differently to the public, Taçoy emphasized that if this continues, there can be no progress.

Taçoy underscored the importance of the two-state solution policy, pointing out its significance for the future of the Turkish Cypriots.