İncirli Says Government Using War to Distract From Economic Failures

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s “Sabah Postası” programme hosted by Gökhan Altıner, İncirli said that while the war has undoubtedly affected the region, the government had already been mishandling the economy well before the crisis began. She stressed that public debt has been steadily increasing, with new borrowing being used to repay existing obligations, creating a deepening cycle of indebtedness.

İncirli pointed to rising prices and mounting financial strain on the public as further evidence of poor economic governance. Referring specifically to fuel price increases, she claimed that the latest hike was deliberately delayed until the evening of March 25 in order to prevent it from immediately impacting the cost-of-living calculation, suggesting that economic decisions are being shaped by political considerations.

She also criticised recent decisions affecting local authorities, stating that a decree had effectively reduced municipal revenues and would lead to serious financial losses. İncirli argued that such measures should be taken only after consultation with relevant stakeholders, accusing the government of acting abruptly and without foresight.

According to İncirli, the administration is focused primarily on political calculations, while both labour groups and the business community are being overlooked. She said this has created the perception of a government that is disconnected from the country’s real needs.

Highlighting her party’s preparations for government, İncirli said that data-driven policy planning is nearing completion and will be presented to the public by June at the latest. She pledged to restore stability and rebuild confidence in the economy if her party comes to power.

On public finances, she warned that state expenditures have increased significantly and in an uncontrolled manner, weakening the government’s ability to provide services. She estimated total public debt at around 25 billion Turkish lira and called for the restructuring of short-term liabilities. İncirli also emphasised that increasing state revenues should not rely solely on taxation, advocating structural reforms to improve overall economic performance.

Touching on relations with Turkey, İncirli underlined Ankara’s critical role in regional security, noting that the sense of safety in the country is largely tied to Turkey’s presence and actions. At the same time, she argued that “a serious state like the Republic of Turkey would want to work with a serious government,” adding that she does not believe the current administration’s approach would be appreciated internationally.

İncirli also addressed the ongoing debate over land allocated to Istanbul Technical University in the Karpaz region. She said that while her party supports investment and development, it opposes the scale of the land allocation, describing it as excessive. She noted that the original allocation dates back to the presidency of Derviş Eroğlu.

Recalling the legislative process, İncirli said the bill initially passed unanimously in parliament but was later reconsidered following public reaction and further deliberation. She noted that her party had proposed sending the legislation back to committee, emphasising that the Republican Turkish Party maintains a political tradition that is open to criticism and responsive to public concerns.

Concluding her remarks, İncirli drew on her background in healthcare to describe the state of the country in stark terms: “The country is breathing, but the patient is in critical condition. At this rate, the patient could be lost—we are coming to prevent that. We will inherit a wreck.”