Akansoy: "People's Living Standards Are Being Directly Targeted"

Speaking on BRT’s program with Aziz Karaaziz, Akansoy stressed that 2025 will be a continuation of 2024, with uncertain economic, social, and political developments. "We experienced a year where anything could happen, and this uncertainty will carry over into 2025. Developments in the region will affect everything. We are in a process with no clear direction," Akansoy stated.

“The Government Has No Vision for 2025”

Akansoy emphasized that the country’s ongoing problems continue, noting that despite recently concluding budget discussions, there is no hopeful outlook for 2025. "The government has no vision for 2025," he said.

He argued that new economic, social, and political changes are necessary, and that the government, which aims to remain in power until 2027, has no policies for 2025. "However, change will come both globally and locally," Akansoy added.

“We Must Prove Our Capacity for Self-Management”

Akansoy drew attention to the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for 13 years, as a global example of the need for change. "We are going through a process where Turkish Cypriots will also receive their share. There is a government that cannot manage the country. There is a serious management deficiency, no vision, and no program. Turkish Cypriots must enter a new era shaped by democratic values," he stated.

Emphasizing the importance of a government's roadmap, Akansoy added, "The executive branch must know what to do. Northern Cyprus urgently needs to make the necessary reforms and move toward a system where it can stand on its own feet. Turkish Cypriots must prove that they can manage themselves under conditions of no solution. But for this to happen, the will must come from the Turkish Cypriots."

“Economic and Social Reforms Are Essential”

Akansoy pointed out that 80% of the budget is allocated to transfer expenditures, adding that during the recent Congress process, 350 temporary workers were hired, and only 60 were hired through the Public Service Commission, excluding teachers. "This creates an inflation in the public sector and reduces merit, leading to significant inefficiency. The public sector must be more efficient," he argued.

He highlighted that growing the economy should be the primary goal but must be done through a planned program and within the framework of the rule of law. "Public services cannot be efficient with the current methods. Fiscal discipline must be adopted, and economic growth is essential," Akansoy emphasized.

“We Must Protect Purchasing Power”

Akansoy stressed the importance of maintaining the living standards of workers, stating that salary increases in line with inflation are a right. "Employment in the public sector should be based on need, not partisanship. Arbitrary hiring leads to serious problems. We must protect purchasing power. As CTP, we advocate for a transition to a stable currency-based accounting unit. Otherwise, we will continue to pay the inflation tax," he added.

“The Informal Economy Must Be Registered”

Akansoy concluded by saying that the informal economy needs to be brought into the formal sector. "We are in an economically fragmented situation. Merely adjusting the cost of living for workers will not solve the problems. People's living standards are being directly targeted. Growing the economy, controlling the informal economy, and increasing welfare are crucial," he concluded.

Source: BRT