HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu visited the Tarsus district of Mersin on Thursday to engage with local farmers grappling with crop losses due to recent frost.

Speaking to the press after performing prayers at the historic Ulu Mosque, Yapıcıoğlu underscored his party’s commitment to staying connected with citizens year-round, not just during election campaigns. His visit was part of a broader effort to listen to the concerns of Tarsus residents and address key challenges facing Türkiye, including terrorism, economic instability, and the alarming rise of drug addiction among the nation’s youth.

Solidarity with Tarsus Farmers

Yapıcıoğlu began by expressing solidarity with Tarsus farmers who have suffered significant losses due to frost damage. “We are here to listen to the problems of our farmers and to work toward solutions,” he said, emphasizing that HÜDA PAR is not a party that retreats to headquarters after elections. He pledged to advocate for measures to alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers, including increased government support and policies to stabilize agricultural production. “Our farmers are the backbone of this country, and their struggles cannot be ignored,” he added, calling for urgent action to ensure their livelihoods are protected.

A Vision for a Terror-Free Türkiye

A significant portion of Yapıcıoğlu’s remarks focused on the ongoing “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative, aimed at eradicating terrorism and fostering national unity. He described the initiative as a critical step toward strengthening Türkiye’s internal front through dialogue and reconciliation. “The issues on the country’s agenda are our agenda,” he stated. “We are working tirelessly to create a healthy ground for dialogue and to reinforce the bonds of brotherhood across Türkiye.”

Yapıcıoğlu expressed cautious optimism about resolving the decades-long terrorism issue, which has caused immense suffering. “This is not an intractable problem,” he said. “With sincerity and determination, we believe it can be solved. There are no guarantees, but nothing happens without effort.” He reiterated HÜDA PAR’s commitment to ending terrorism, violence, and conflict, vowing to spare no effort in achieving a peaceful and united Türkiye. Highlighting Mersin’s diverse population, which includes citizens from various ethnic backgrounds and political affiliations, Yapıcıoğlu praised the city as a potential model for coexistence. “Mersin can set an example for the entire country,” he said, urging Tarsus residents to contribute to a peaceful and inclusive process.

Economic Challenges and Workers’ Rights

Turning to economic issues, Yapıcıoğlu addressed the ongoing negotiations over public sector workers’ wages, a topic of growing concern amid Türkiye’s battle with inflation. He criticized the approach of some economic policymakers and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, who argue that wage increases could undermine efforts to reduce inflation. “This is not the right approach,” Yapıcıoğlu declared. “Workers and laborers are not the cause of inflation. They are the ones struggling to make ends meet as their wages erode against rising costs.”

He called for stronger oversight mechanisms to tackle inflationary pressures and emphasized the need to reduce production costs to ease economic burdens. Yapıcıoğlu also advocated for austerity measures starting with the public sector, arguing that savings should not come at the expense of ordinary workers. “The wage increases must bring smiles to our workers’ faces,” he said, underscoring the importance of fair compensation that keeps pace with inflation. Additionally, he reiterated his call for comprehensive support for farmers, including subsidies and other measures to minimize their losses and ensure agricultural sustainability.

Combating the Youth Drug Crisis

One of the most urgent issues raised by Yapıcıoğlu was the growing problem of drug addiction among Türkiye’s youth, particularly in urban centers like Mersin, Adana, Gaziantep, Istanbul, Diyarbakır, and Van. He described the situation as a national crisis, noting that citizens across these cities have voiced deep concerns about the spread of drug use. “This is an issue that threatens the future of our country,” he warned, stressing that even economic prosperity would be meaningless if young people fall victim to addiction and drug traffickers profit at their expense.

Yapıcıoğlu announced that HÜDA PAR is actively addressing the crisis through a detailed study led by Faruk Dinç, the party’s Deputy Chairman for Youth Policies and a Mersin MP. The study, nearing completion, is based on extensive consultations with thirteen government ministries, civil society organizations, and individuals directly affected by addiction, including recovering addicts and their families. “We have prepared a comprehensive report that will soon be published,” he said, expressing hope that it would guide national efforts to combat the drug epidemic.

He emphasized that addressing drug addiction requires a multifaceted approach beyond law enforcement. “This is not just a matter for the police or the courts,” Yapıcıoğlu said. “We must start with families, schools, and even mosques. Everyone has a responsibility to protect our youth from falling into this trap.” He called for a united effort to raise awareness, provide rehabilitation services, and strengthen community support systems to safeguard the nation’s younger generation.

Tarsus as a Potential Province

In response to a journalist’s question, Yapıcıoğlu endorsed the idea of granting provincial status to Tarsus, one of Türkiye’s most significant districts. “Tarsus deserves to be a province,” he said, citing its robust infrastructure, rich sociocultural heritage, and large population. He argued that such a move would enhance the district’s development and better serve its residents, reinforcing its importance as a regional hub.

A Call for Unity and Action

Yapıcıoğlu concluded his remarks by reaffirming HÜDA PAR’s dedication to addressing Türkiye’s most pressing challenges through dialogue, collaboration, and proactive measures. “Whether it’s supporting our farmers, ending terrorism, stabilizing the economy, or saving our youth from drugs, we are committed to working for the people of Türkiye,” he said. He urged citizens, particularly those in Tarsus and Mersin, to join hands in building a stronger, more united, and prosperous nation.

The visit to Tarsus underscores HÜDA PAR’s broader mission to engage with communities across Türkiye, listen to their concerns, and advocate for solutions that promote peace, justice, and opportunity for all. (ILKHA)