Ümit Özdağ blames AKP for fiscal mismanagement and rising poverty

Zafer Party leader Ümit Özdağ denounced the AKP government, arguing that Turkey faces an "absolute poverty" crisis. He highlighted a stark fiscal imbalance, noting that interest payments amount to 7.5 times the total investment and that the state budget recorded a deficit of roughly 524 billion lira in the first four months of the year.

Özdağ also criticised the government’s wage policies, the minimum wage of 28,075 TL and pensions of 20,000 TL, which he says leave workers unable to afford basic food. He pointed to stagnant wheat and barley prices, low agricultural investment, and the unchanged annual grain production of about 20 million tonnes despite a population increase from 65 million to 85 million and the arrival of 13 million refugees. The politician concluded that the ruling party's economic approach has led to severe hardship for ordinary Turks.

In addition, Özdağ referenced the controversial "absolute butlan" decision of 21 May and warned of a looming political collapse, urging action against what he described as a government that prioritises party interests over citizens' welfare.