Turkish tradesmen seek legislative reform and rent relief

Turkish tradesmen and small business owners are facing significant economic pressures, prompting calls for legislative reform and local solidarity. Adlıhan Dere, President of the Antalya Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (AESOB), has outlined several key demands for the upcoming legislative year in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. These include reducing the Bağ-Kur retirement requirement from 9,000 days to 7,200 days, improving access to affordable financing, ensuring fair competition against chain markets, and enforcing transparency in service fees on food delivery platforms.

In Alanya, the situation is particularly acute following a disappointing tourism season. Ali İhsan Özdemir, President of the Alanya Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (ALESO), has called on property owners to support local businesses by offering rent reductions or temporary payment holidays. Özdemir emphasized that helping tradesmen survive the winter is essential for the long-term stability of the local economy and prevents businesses from closing permanently.