HÜDA PAR Mersin Deputy Faruk Dinç has urged a comprehensive national effort to combat drug addiction while sharply criticizing bribery and corruption in local governments.

Speaking at a press conference at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Dinç addressed a range of national and local issues, including drug addiction, allegations of corruption in local governments, and infrastructure problems affecting several provinces.

"Honest Politics, Real Justice"

Dinç strongly criticized allegations of bribery and corruption involving municipalities and public officials, arguing that such practices undermine public confidence in politics and state institutions.

"The association of politics with bribery and corruption is a major disaster," Dinç said, adding that public assets should be protected with the same care as public trust and the rights of society's most vulnerable members.

He argued that corruption diverts resources away from citizens at a time when many families are struggling with economic hardship. According to Dinç, increasing allegations of bribery, embezzlement, and tender-rigging involving local administrations have further damaged public trust in political institutions.

Referring to HÜDA PAR's long-standing slogan, "Honest Politics, Real Justice," Dinç said the principle is not merely a campaign slogan but a fundamental approach to addressing Türkiye's political and social challenges.

He called for stronger oversight mechanisms, greater transparency in public administration, and harsher penalties for those found guilty of corruption.

Call for Comprehensive Anti-Drug Campaign

A significant portion of Dinç's remarks focused on the growing threat posed by drug addiction and trafficking.

Describing narcotics as a "poison" spreading throughout neighborhoods and communities, he called for a comprehensive national strategy involving security institutions, healthcare providers, schools, families, and civil society organizations.

"A full mobilization must now be launched against drug dealers," Dinç said.

He pointed to several recent incidents involving drug addiction that resulted in family tragedies, arguing that substance abuse is no longer merely a security issue but a broader social crisis affecting families and communities across the country.

According to Dinç, drug addiction is destroying family structures, isolating young people from society, and creating serious threats to public order and social peace.

Stronger Enforcement and Prevention Measures

Dinç called for tougher penalties against street-level dealers as well as organized criminal networks involved in the drug trade.

He also proposed expanding preventive measures, including increased awareness campaigns for families and students, enhanced counseling services in schools, and broader efforts to identify addiction problems at an early stage.

The HÜDA PAR deputy further suggested that drug testing should be conducted for public servants and personnel employed by state institutions, while emphasizing that anyone found using public resources or influence to facilitate drug trafficking should face severe punishment.

Expanding Treatment and Rehabilitation Services

Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, Dinç stressed that treatment alone is not sufficient without long-term support programs that help individuals reintegrate into society.

He called for the expansion of Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment Centers (AMATEM) and Child and Adolescent Substance Addiction Treatment Centers (ÇEMATEM), as well as an increase in the number of civil society organizations working in addiction recovery.

"The capacity of treatment and rehabilitation centers for addicted individuals should be increased and made more functional," he said.

Dinç also emphasized the role of faith-based and community-oriented support programs in helping individuals overcome addiction, arguing that spiritual and psychological support should complement medical treatment.

Local Infrastructure Issues 

During the press conference, Dinç also drew attention to infrastructure problems affecting districts in Diyarbakır and various neighborhoods and villages in Adana.

He cited concerns related to roads, drinking water, communication services, healthcare facilities, and electricity distribution issues involving DEDAŞ, pledging to follow up on citizens' complaints and demands.

Calling on relevant authorities to address these longstanding problems, Dinç said improving local services remains essential for enhancing the quality of life of residents in affected regions.

Concluding his remarks, the HÜDA PAR deputy urged authorities to take immediate and concrete action against drug trafficking networks, warning that criminal groups are targeting young people and endangering the future of society.

"Drug dealers are poisoning our innocent children for their own interests," he said, reiterating his call for a nationwide effort to combat addiction and protect future generations. (ILKHA)