HÜDA PAR Mersin Member of Parliament Faruk Dinç met with journalists in Tarsus, addressing a wide range of national and local issues—from the fight against drugs and terrorism to farmers’ economic struggles and the Tarsus–Mersin highway tolls.

Dinç highlighted the drug epidemic as one of the most critical threats facing Türkiye's youth, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

“This issue cannot be postponed,” he said. “Even primary school children are confronted with this scourge. Effective, determined, and sustainable action against this disaster is essential.”

Dinç added that HÜDA PAR will launch a renewed nationwide anti-drug initiative: “This weekend, we will hold an anti-drug panel in Diyarbakır. But we will not stop there—we will take to the streets, march, and mobilize society.”

“We Are Not a Politics-Only-at-Election-Time Movement”

Highlighting his extensive field visits since being elected, Dinç said he and his team regularly meet with citizens, tradespeople, and community leaders.

“We are not a political movement that only goes into the field during elections,” he said. “We keep the promises we made on the first day by listening to our citizens and carrying their concerns to Parliament.”

He emphasized that politics must be centered on service rather than electoral gains: “If something will benefit people even two thousand years from now, we will still pursue it. The best of people are those who are beneficial to others. We stand for a politics that competes in service, not one that divides.”

Support for Ending Terrorism Through Dialogue

Dinç reiterated his party’s stance on ending terrorism in Türkiye, stressing that violence cannot solve political problems.

“There is no place for weapons in this country,” he said. “No one should seek political gain through the PKK. Problems must be resolved through dialogue, not arms. We support every constructive step that will remove terrorism from Türkiye’s agenda once and for all.”

“Laws Should Not Be Tailored to Individuals”

Dinç also addressed the government’s response to his parliamentary question concerning Law No. 5816. He stated that several countries—including Germany, the United States, and Poland—had rejected judicial assistance requests related to the law.

“They said ‘laws cannot be made for specific individuals,’ and we agree,” he noted. “Insult is unacceptable, but criticism must not be restricted. Laws must be general and equal for everyone. Whoever insults anyone should face the consequences.”

Criticism of the Tarsus–Mersin Highway Toll

Dinç criticized the toll charges on the Tarsus–Mersin highway as unfair and illogical:

“If there is a toll between Mersin and Tarsus, then Tarsus should be made a province. This situation is unacceptable. We have raised this issue previously in Parliament.”

“If the Farmer Collapses, the Country Collapses”

Turning to agricultural issues, Dinç highlighted the severe damage caused by recent frost in Mersin and Tarsus. He noted that beyond the loss of crops, many fruit trees had completely dried out.

He said he contacted the ministry to request the establishment of a damage assessment commission.

Dinç also pointed to the widening price gap between producers and consumers: “A farmer sells peppers for 7–8 lira, but at the market they reach up to 50 liras. The farmer works in the field but does not earn. This is unsustainable. If the farmer collapses, the country collapses.”

The MP emphasized that HÜDA PAR will continue advocating for solutions that support farmers, strengthen families, and protect young people from addiction—priorities he described as essential for Türkiye’s future stability and well-being. (ILKHA)