Liberal Party Leader Zübeyir Gülabi Calls for General Amnesty Before Parliamentary Recess

Liberal Party Targets Economic Management and Governance Policies

Liberal Party Chairman Zübeyir Gülabi outlined his party’s positions on a range of national issues during a press briefing titled “From Poultry Farms to Courthouses, From Teachers to Municipalities: Government Intervention Everywhere, Solutions Nowhere.”

Speaking on economic management, judicial reform, agriculture, education, and local government affairs, Gülabi argued that current policies have increased uncertainty in both public administration and the economy.

Criticism of Trustee Appointments to Private Companies

A significant portion of the statement focused on recent trustee appointments to private businesses. Gülabi argued that government intervention in commercial enterprises creates uncertainty in the marketplace and undermines economic confidence.

He stated that a future Liberal Party administration would not appoint trustees to private companies and would instead limit the state’s role to regulation and oversight. Gülabi also announced plans to abolish mandatory membership requirements for chambers of commerce, industry organizations, and professional associations.

According to the Liberal Party leader, expanding entrepreneurial freedom and reducing administrative barriers would form a key pillar of the party’s economic agenda.

Economic Policy, Interest Costs and Taxation

Addressing fiscal policy, Gülabi claimed that Türkiye faces a growing burden from interest payments and argued that public resources are increasingly directed toward servicing debt obligations.

He also criticized the country’s indirect tax structure, particularly the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), which applies to automobiles, electronics, and various consumer goods. Gülabi said the Liberal Party would seek to eliminate the tax as part of broader economic reforms aimed at increasing purchasing power and consumer access.

The Liberal Party chairman compared automobile ownership and vehicle sales figures between Türkiye and Germany, arguing that tax policy remains a major factor affecting domestic consumption.

Agricultural Reform and Land Banking Proposal

Agriculture emerged as another central theme of the speech. Gülabi pointed to the decline in agricultural land use over recent decades and warned of potential risks to food security if the trend continues.

To address these challenges, he proposed the establishment of a land banking system designed to bring idle farmland back into production, increase agricultural efficiency, and support larger-scale farming operations.

He argued that structural reforms, rather than direct market interventions, are necessary to strengthen agricultural output and improve long-term sustainability within the sector.

Call for General Amnesty and National Reconciliation

One of the most notable elements of the statement was Gülabi’s call for a general amnesty as part of a broader national reconciliation process.

The Liberal Party leader argued that Türkiye’s long-standing political and social issues require comprehensive legal reforms and wider societal consensus. He stated that the Turkish Grand National Assembly should not enter recess before addressing what he described as key issues related to social peace and legal predictability.

Gülabi also questioned the practice of judicial recesses, arguing that the justice system should operate continuously throughout the year.

Teacher Recruitment and Education Policies

Education policy was another major focus of the address. Gülabi criticized teacher recruitment procedures, temporary teaching arrangements, and working conditions in the education sector.

He called for the abolition of interview-based recruitment processes and advocated permanent, secure employment for teachers. According to Gülabi, educational institutions require a merit-based system that offers greater stability for both educators and students.

The Liberal Party leader also referred to recent demonstrations by teachers and highlighted concerns regarding staffing shortages across the education system.

Municipal Investigations and Local Government

Turning to local governance, Gülabi commented on recent investigations and operations involving opposition-run municipalities.

He emphasized the importance of protecting voter preferences and maintaining democratic accountability within local administrations. The Liberal Party leader stated that elected local governments should continue operating within the framework of democratic and legal institutions.

Justice System and Prison Policy

Gülabi also discussed prison capacity and judicial policy, arguing that broader reforms are necessary to strengthen the rule of law.

He outlined the Liberal Party’s vision for judicial reform and emphasized the importance of legal certainty, institutional independence, and public trust in the justice system.

Sports Administration and National Team Performance

In the sports section of his remarks, Gülabi addressed Türkiye’s recent international football results and criticized current sports governance structures.

He called for changes in sports administration and argued that a new approach is needed to improve the competitiveness of Turkish football at the international level.

Middle East Developments and Foreign Policy

The final section of the statement focused on foreign affairs. Gülabi commented on the reported ceasefire between Iran and the United States and broader developments in the Middle East.

He stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement and peaceful conflict resolution while outlining the Liberal Party’s perspective on regional stability and international relations.

Concluding his remarks, Gülabi reiterated the party’s commitment to economic liberalization, judicial reform, agricultural modernization, and educational restructuring, presenting them as key priorities for future governance.

Kaynak: Liberal Party Chairman Zübeyir Gülabi Press Statement – June 23, 2026