US, Europe 'bankrupt' in energy while Turkey strives to protect citizens, says Erdoğan

Photo: AA

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Turkey is striving to protect its citizens amid rising energy prices across the world, President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said today (October 7).

"We're making every kind of sacrifice to protect our own citizens at a time when energy prices have increased between two and five fold all over the world, especially in Europe," Erdoğan said at the extended provincial congress of his party in the capital, Ankara.

Erdoğan underlined that since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Turkey has kept energy prices that are under state control at the lowest possible level, subsidizing them if necessary, and has continued to do so.

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The president noted that the government was also working to conclude international contracts that would affect energy prices in a way that would benefit the country the most.​​​​​​​

In response to main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who criticized the government yesterday over increases in energy prices, he said, "You are not aware where you are."

"Don't you see the situation of Europe, the world in energy? Those guys can't find gasoline right now, don't you see that? The USA, Germany, and England are almost bankrupt in fuel. They can' even find truck drivers," he remarked.

"Workers are pleased"

The president further asserted that workers and civil servants in Turkey are pleased with their wages.

"Last week, we increased the wages of workers and civil servants whose contracts were renewed. Both our civil servants and workers are pleased with the situation.

"In a period when the inflation rate is below 20 percent, we increased [their wages] by 30 percent and demonstrated that we stand with them."

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(AS/VK)