Hasipoğlu: Social Insurance Fund Has Reached Its Strongest Position Yet

“The Social Insurance Fund has reached its strongest position yet,” Hasipoğlu said.

Speaking on the +Manşet programme on BRT, where he answered questions from Aziz Karaaziz, Hasipoğlu discussed the ministry’s work, the abolition of mixed voting, the December 6 elections, the 51st anniversary of the National Unity Party (UBP), government investments and cooperation with the Republic of Turkey.

Addressing the planned 40,000 TL bonus for pensioners to mark the anniversary of the Social Insurance Institution, Hasipoğlu said the fund had undergone a significant financial improvement over the past two years and that the payments would not jeopardise its future.

“We Have Made Significant Progress Into Surplus Over the Past Two Years”

Hasipoğlu said the Social Insurance Institution had previously faced financial difficulties and had been continuously paying interest on its debts. He said the fund’s financial position had improved considerably in recent years.

“We managed the fund well and properly, and that is how we have reached this point. The Social Insurance Fund has reached such a strong position for the first time,” he said.

Hasipoğlu stated that the fund was expected to record a surplus of 19 million by the end of the year, adding that the 40,000 TL payment to pensioners amounted to approximately 10% of that figure.

“The Actuarial Balance Will Not Be Disrupted”

Rejecting criticism that the 40,000 TL bonus would put insured people’s future at risk, Hasipoğlu said assessments should be based on concrete data.

“We are speaking with figures. We have not put citizens’ futures at risk. The actuarial balance will not be disrupted, and our surplus will continue. Everything has been planned and projected,” he said.

“We Can Pay a 13th-Month Salary Three Times Using Our Own Resources”

Commenting on the fund’s financial position, Hasipoğlu argued that the Social Insurance Institution had sufficient resources to cover various payments.

“We are in a position to pay a 13th-month salary three times using our own resources,” he said, adding that the fund’s finances were being managed in line with established plans.

Hasipoğlu also said the fund had begun generating interest income after moving into surplus. He reported interest income of 3.5 million during the year, saying that this income alone was sufficient to preserve the fund’s financial resources.

Insisting that the fund had not suffered any losses, he said its financial balance would be maintained.

“December 6 Will Be the First Election Without Mixed Voting”

Hasipoğlu said local and general elections would be held on the same day, December 6, and commented on preparations for the vote.

Referring to the Supreme Election Board’s statement that all necessary measures would be taken, he said the allowances for election officials had also been announced. Polling station staff would receive 15,000 TL, while polling station presidents would be paid 20,000 TL, he said, adding that preparations would be completed.

“We, as the UBP, are ready to face the public,” Hasipoğlu said.

“The UBP Has Its Signature on All the Investments Made”

Marking the UBP’s 51st anniversary, Hasipoğlu said the party held an important place in the political history of the Turkish Cypriot community.

He said the UBP had played a significant role from the period of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus through to the establishment of the TRNC. As the party that declared the republic, he said, the UBP had worked to preserve the TRNC, improve living standards and maintain the country’s presence internationally.

Describing the UBP as the TRNC’s strongest party, Hasipoğlu said it was celebrating its anniversary with pride. He added that the party was preparing for the elections with its network of 230 local organisations.

Hasipoğlu said he had travelled throughout the country with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel over the past four and a half years, visiting districts, villages and party organisations to listen to residents’ concerns.

“We visited every district, village and organisation and listened to people’s problems. We resolved issues involving sewage, livestock facilities and infrastructure. During our most recent visits, people thanked us because, when we began these visits four and a half years ago, we made promises. Today, we are happy to have fulfilled them,” he said.

Acknowledging that some projects had not been completed, Hasipoğlu nevertheless highlighted new roads, infrastructure works, hospital investments and infrastructure projects related to water supplied by the Republic of Turkey as important achievements.

He said projects planned for the next term would also be presented to the public through launch events, adding that the UBP had been behind the investments carried out.

“No Previous Period Has Seen Such Intensive Investment and Project Work”

Sharing his expectations for the local and general elections on December 6, Hasipoğlu said investments and projects completed over the past four and a half years would be an important factor in voters’ assessments.

“With the support of the motherland, Turkey, more investment and projects have been carried out during this period than in any previous one. I believe our people will recognise this on December 6. Trust is the most important factor in winning an election, and that trust is measured by the investments you deliver,” he said.

“Our Record Is Our Promise”

Hasipoğlu said the UBP would campaign on the basis of its projects and record in government.

“Some people make promises. We demonstrate what we stand for not through words, but through action. Our record is our promise,” he said.