Mehmet Emin Ekmen calls for agricultural and labor reforms in Turkey

Yeni Yol Party Group Chairman Mehmet Emin Ekmen has addressed several critical issues before the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), focusing on the agricultural crisis in Mersin and labor insurance reforms.

Regarding agriculture, Ekmen highlighted a report from the Mersin Chambers of Agriculture indicating that producers of olives, citrus, bananas, and vegetables are facing severe economic distress. He noted that rising production costs—ranging from 9 to 12 lira per kilogram for some products—are far exceeding sale prices, which can drop as low as 1 to 4 lira. This disparity has forced many farmers to leave produce on the branches as they cannot cover harvesting and labor costs.

Ekmen also called for legislative changes regarding internship and apprenticeship insurance. He argued that the insurance periods for these roles should be recognized toward retirement eligibility to address the shortage of qualified personnel in vocational trades and to support university graduates seeking employment in their fields.

Additionally, the Group Chairman raised concerns regarding electricity fines imposed on apartment and residential site managements due to generator connections.