Malatya tradesmen highlight economic struggles during Ahilik Week

During Ahilik Week celebrations, tradesmen in Malatya met with AK Party MP Bülent Tüfenkci and other officials to discuss the economic challenges facing the region following recent earthquakes.

Şevket Keskin, President of the Malatya Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (MESOB), highlighted that many businesses are still operating out of containers, emphasizing the urgent need to transition back to permanent commercial spaces to revitalize the city center.

Key grievances raised include skyrocketing commercial rents, with some prices reaching up to 1 million TL, which threatens to deplete the capital of local businesses. Additionally, tradesmen requested easier access to low-interest credit, criticized heavy tax burdens, and noted the rising costs of fuel and transportation. Other topics of discussion included traffic fine regulations and requests for adjustments to retirement premium day requirements.