HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman and Gaziantep MP Şahzade Demir held a press conference at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, addressing key issues on the domestic and international agenda.

Demir emphasized the importance of strengthening family institutions, addressing economic challenges, delivering justice for victims of the 28 February post-modern coup, and advocating for the release of Dr. Husam Abu Safiyya from Israeli detention.

Demir highlighted Turkey’s declining fertility rate, which has dropped below the European Union average, and warned of the risks of population aging. He noted the increasing age of marriage, declining marriage rates, and rising divorce rates as threats to the country's social structure.

“Many young people are postponing or avoiding marriage due to economic difficulties, unemployment, and prioritizing career goals over family life,” Demir said. He also criticized media portrayals that devalue family life and promote alternative lifestyles.

To combat these trends, Demir proposed financial and moral support for young couples, including scholarships for married university students, loan debt cancellations, dowry support, rent assistance, and dedicated dormitories for married students.

Demir criticized recent economic policies for increasing the burden on citizens. He argued that tax hikes, such as those on motor vehicles and fuel, exacerbate inflation and weaken purchasing power, particularly for fixed-income families.

“The increases in wages for employees are far outpaced by the rise in taxes and inflation,” Demir said, calling for structural reforms to enhance purchasing power, reduce inflation, and support production. He also urged the government to reconsider its policies on pensions and wage adjustments.

Demir underscored the ongoing grievances from the 28 February period, which he described as a dark chapter in Türkiye's history. During this time, students and public officials faced discrimination and dismissal due to their religious beliefs, and many were imprisoned following unfair trials.

“Despite the passage of 28 years, many of these injustices remain unresolved,” Demir stated, demanding that the government restore the rights of victims, initiate retrials, and establish a parliamentary commission to investigate these cases.

Turning to international issues, Demir condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, describing them as crimes against humanity. He detailed the dire conditions faced by the people of Gaza, including malnutrition, destruction of healthcare facilities, and targeted attacks on health workers.

Demir called particular attention to the plight of Dr. Husam Abu Safiyya, the chief physician of Kemal Adwan Hospital, who was detained by Israeli forces after resisting an attack on the hospital. “Dr. Safiyya risked his life to protect the honor of humanity and the health of his people,” Demir said, urging international organizations like the World Health Organization to act swiftly for his release.

In his statement, Demir reiterated HÜDA PAR’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues. “Strengthening families, ensuring economic justice, correcting historical injustices, and standing against international human rights violations are essential for the future of our society and humanity,” he concluded.

The press conference underscored the party’s multifaceted approach to both domestic and international challenges, with a focus on justice, reform, and humanitarian advocacy. (ILKHA)