Turhan Çakar, Chairman of the Consumer Rights Association, said, “When we consider the population of Turkey as 85 million people; 60 percent of the population, that is, 51 million consumers, live below the hunger limit, while 38 percent of the population, that is, 32 million consumers, live below the poverty line.”
The statement made by the Consumer Rights Association (THD) revealed the painful economic picture in the country. In the table where the effects of the deep economic crisis experienced in recent years have been seen, it has been seen that the citizens have been condemned to hunger and poverty. The statement made by Turhan Çakar, Chairman of the Consumer Rights Association, showed that one of the biggest economic crises of recent years has been experienced. Stating that the applied economic policies dragged the overwhelming majority of consumers to hunger and poverty, Çakar said, “When we consider the population of Turkey as 85 million; 60 percent of the population, or 51 million consumers, live below the hunger limit. About 38 percent of the population segment, that is, 32 million consumers live below the poverty line.”
“MINIMUM WAGE EARNERS DO NOT EAT, DRINK, AND CAN ONLY PAY THEIR RENT”
“The overwhelming majority of consumers and children are not getting enough and balanced nutrition. The majority of the 6 million families who have to live in rent are in a desperate and miserable situation,” Çakar added. He stated that even the rents have reached the level of the average minimum wage. Emphasizing that natural gas and electricity bills are getting heavier with the effect of the winter season as well as the rental expense, Çakar said, “Families with low income at the minimum wage level and who have to live in rent do not eat or drink, but can pay their rent. The monthly average natural gas and electricity costs are around 1,600 Turkish Liras (TL). However, families with incomes below the hunger limit are forced to live under blankets and in darkness because they cannot meet this expense.”
“ANY FEES MUST NOT BE UNDER THE MINIMUM WAGE”
In the continuation of the statement, calling the country's government and authorities on behalf of consumers, the President of the Consumer Rights Association, Turhan Çakar, made the following suggestions:
“The minimum wage must be at least 15,000 TL.
Any wages should not be below the minimum wage level.
Free lunches should be provided to children in schools.
Food expenses and housing rent of families with income below the hunger limit should be covered by the state.
Families who do not pay their natural gas and electricity expenses should be paid 1,600 TL by the state in cold winter conditions.
The tax burden of employees should be reduced.
Prices should be reduced and the purchasing power of consumers should be increased.”