TÜSİAD President Orhan Turan: We Support Şimşek, But Not Everything is Going Well!

February 13, 2025 BTT

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At the General Assembly of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (TÜSİAD), TÜSİAD High Advisory Council Chairman Ömer Aras and President Orhan Turan made significant statements. Their speeches highlighted issues regarding law, education, and economic policies.

TÜSİAD High Advisory Council Chairman Ömer Aras’s Remarks:

Income Distribution and Economic Issues: Aras pointed out the increasing inequality in income distribution and stated that high inflation is a form of tax. He emphasized the need for a firm stance in combating inflation and mentioned that there could be significant opportunities in 2025.
Confidence Environment and Investments: Aras noted that a confidence environment for investors could not be established in 2024. He stressed the importance of preventing export market losses in 2025 and mentioned that the government should also tighten its belt equally with the citizens.
Informal Economy and Tax Reform: Aras emphasized the need to combat the informal economy to increase tax revenues. He highlighted the importance of structural reforms, such as education and merit, and stressed that these reforms should be carried out with the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
Education Reform: Aras stated that the education system needs improvement. He suggested that preschool education should be mandatory and free, and that curriculum changes should be made transparently and with participatory methods.
Rule of Law and Independent Judiciary: Aras underscored that the rule of law and an independent judiciary are fundamental for Turkey’s economic and social development. He stated that if these two reforms are successfully implemented, other reforms would be easier to achieve.

TÜSİAD President Orhan Turan’s Remarks:

Rule of Law and Criminal Organizations: Turan pointed out that while arrests have increased in recent years, those responsible for shocking incidents are often released easily. He stated that “it is now easier to establish a criminal organization than to establish a company,” reinforcing his emphasis on the importance of the rule of law. He stated that the foundation of a modern state is the rule of law and emphasized that governance should be based on the rule of law, not arbitrariness.
Human Values vs. Economic Values: Turan stressed that human rights and human values should take precedence over economic values. He argued that without the establishment of the rule of law, internal and external issues cannot be resolved. He also expressed that the elimination of the terrorism problem is Turkey’s biggest wish.
Mehmet Şimşek and the Economy: Orhan Turan expressed support for the policies of the Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, but pointed out that the current economic situation is far from ideal. He noted that industrialists are in a difficult situation, with increased allure for imports, making it harder to continue business. Turan remarked that industrialists, employers, and employees are unhappy, and this situation is unsustainable.
Combating Inflation and Finding Permanent Solutions: Turan emphasized the need to achieve lasting success in the fight against inflation and find solutions so that industrialists can breathe. He stressed that economic reforms and solutions need to be implemented swiftly.