The Chairman of the Re-Welfare Party, Fatih Erbakan, addressed members at the party’s 3rd Ordinary Provincial Congress held in Izmir. Criticizing the ruling AK Party on various fronts including foreign policy, economic challenges, and justice, Erbakan emphasized his party’s growth and ambitions. He outlined the pressing issues facing citizens and the responsibilities his party perceives in addressing both local and international concerns.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Strength in Numbers: Party Growth and Membership |
| 2) A Call for Unity Among Muslim Nations |
| 3) Economic Critique: Inflation and Cost of Living |
| 4) The Debt Crisis: Rising Individual and National Burden |
| 5) The State of Justice: A Decline in Fairness |
Strength in Numbers: Party Growth and Membership
During the congress, Fatih Erbakan declared that the Re-Welfare Party has become the third-largest political party in Türkiye regarding both member counts and vote percentage. He stated that his party consists of approximately 652,000 members and received 7% of the votes across the nation in the last elections on March 31. Erbakan articulated the aspiration to expand this membership to over one million, expressing a collective determination among party members to achieve this goal. This growth highlights the party’s strategy of demonstrating their significance in a political landscape largely dominated by established parties.
Erbakan’s assertions also reached beyond mere numbers; he emphasized the need for communal responsibility, particularly toward Muslim populations encountered with adversity globally. He referred to the current struggles of Muslims in regions like East Turkestan and Kashmir, which he indicated require immediate attention and action. According to him, the Re-Welfare Party is committed to being at the forefront of these humanitarian issues, embracing its role to advocate for those oppressed due to their religious and ethnic identities.
A Call for Unity Among Muslim Nations
Continuing his discourse on the international stage, Erbakan articulated a vision for a unified effort among Muslim nations to address widespread injustices. He expressed that without collaboration and cohesive decisions among these countries, ongoing oppression would persist unchecked. He posited the Re-Welfare Party’s commitment to fostering solidarity among Muslim nations, proposing that the party’s foreign policy would prioritize forming an Islamic alliance aimed at promoting justice worldwide.
Erbakan specifically mentioned the D-60 initiative, a program outlined in the party’s policy agenda intended to bolster collective Islamic governance. By adopting this framework, the Re-Welfare Party aims not only to consolidate power within Muslim nations but also to contribute to a more just global order. Erbakan’s emphasis on collaboration underscores the Re-Welfare Party’s approach to international affairs, which he believes should be unified and supportive rather than fragmented.
Economic Critique: Inflation and Cost of Living
Erbakan’s critique of the AK Party’s governance extended significantly into economic issues, asserting that the government is sidestepping critical discussions about the sky-rocketing cost of living facing ordinary citizens. He pointed out that retirees are grappling with pension amounts that fall well below the hunger line, thereby exacerbating financial hardships. He provided stark comparisons between the hunger line, set at 28,000 liras, and the average pension of 14,469 lira, marking a dramatic shortfall for the retired populace.
He stated, “Mathematically, 45 percent of our citizens are living under the hunger line.” His remarks reflect a deep concern about the socio-economic realities faced by millions, evidenced by statistics illustrating that a significant proportion of the population is unable to meet basic living expenses. The Re-Welfare Party’s response, as per Erbakan, will focus on tapping into the dissatisfaction felt by people regarding these economic matters and rallying them under a platform aimed at substantial reform.
The Debt Crisis: Rising Individual and National Burden
As the address progressed, Erbakan outlined the escalating debt crisis impacting Turkish citizens, highlighting an alarming increase in personal loans and credit card debts, which he stated total 5.173 trillion liras. Comparing this staggering figure to historical data, he lamented that this debt burden has grown nearly 900-fold since the AK Party came to power, illustrating a worsening financial landscape for the average citizen.
Erbakan explained that rising debts resulted from desperate attempts by individuals to manage their day-to-day expenses, a struggle magnified by stagnant wages and increasing living costs. He highlighted a startling statistic showing that enforcement files, indicating legal actions against debtors, now number approximately 25 million—a staggering figure that means one enforcement file for every three citizens. Such a reality points to a broader financial crisis affecting families across the nation.
The State of Justice: A Decline in Fairness
In a pointed reflection on the current political climate, Erbakan criticized the shortcomings within Türkiye’s judicial system. He expressed concerns over judicial independence, advocating for the rule of law rather than political influence within the judiciary. Using a ranking of 117 out of 142 nations in terms of fairness and judicial independence, he lamented that the justice system is failing to provide equitable outcomes for citizens seeking recourse for their grievances.
Erbakan articulated a vision for a more just society, criticizing the government for failing to provide the basic rights that citizens are entitled to. He claimed that a continuous cycle of political pressures has exacerbated injustices faced by average citizens, indicating that the government’s failure can no longer be brushed aside. He pointed out that the fundamental principles of justice have eroded under the current administration, eroding public trust in governance.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Erbakan declares party growth with 652,000 members making the Re-Welfare Party the third-largest in Türkiye. |
| 2 | Advocates for unity among Muslim nations to combat global injustices. |
| 3 | Criticism of the government over economic struggles faced by retirees and low-income individuals. |
| 4 | Details the rising debt crisis affecting millions due to low wages and high living costs. |
| 5 | Calls attention to the declining state of justice and fairness within the Turkish judiciary. |
Summary
The address by Fatih Erbakan at the Re-Welfare Party’s congress highlights significant concerns surrounding economic stability, social justice, and the need for unity among Muslim countries. As the party positions itself as a viable alternative amid political challenges, it seeks to address pressing issues that resonate with many Turks, including rising living costs and a deteriorating judicial system. By advocating for solidarity and reform, the Re-Welfare Party aims to rally support and drive changes that align with their vision of a just and equitable society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the main concerns raised by Fatih Erbakan?
Erbakan highlighted economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, poverty among citizens, increasing debt, and the state of justice in Türkiye.
Question: What does Erbakan mean by the D-60 target?
The D-60 target refers to a proposed initiative aimed at forging unity among Muslim countries to address mutual challenges and injustices.
Question: How does Erbakan criticize the AK Party’s governance?
He criticized the government for failing to adequately address economic issues, rising debt, and for eroding the independence and fairness of the judiciary.