İncirli: Population Figure of 489,000 Is Unrealistic

Stressing the significance of population in regaining control over the country, İncirli stated, “We have lost control over the country. Regaining this control requires an accurate understanding of our population.”

Highlighting the importance of local governments and municipalities, İncirli noted that municipalities are fulfilling their responsibilities in areas such as transportation. She called on the Interior Ministry to ensure municipalities receive their rightful funds, including outstanding traffic fines owed to them.

“Municipalities are doing their part. You must pay them what they are owed,” İncirli demanded, questioning the Ministry's plans to address the issue.

Arguing that the reported population figure is unrealistic, İncirli emphasized the visible strain on prisons, hospitals, roads, and other infrastructure. She pointed out the high number of undocumented residents, stressing the difficulty of planning without accurate population data.

İncirli also addressed the Ministry's debt to municipalities, stating, “It is unacceptable for the Ministry to owe money to municipalities that invest in and serve the public.”

Turning to other issues, İncirli brought attention to drowning incidents in the seas, noting that 14 people drowned last year. She advocated for joining the Blue Flag certification program, which ensures the presence of lifeguards and first aid equipment, describing the preventable loss of life in the seas as “a national shame.”

She also criticized the deportation of HIV-positive individuals, describing the disease as treatable and pointing out that deportations do not protect public health. Instead, they lead to HIV-positive individuals re-entering the country illegally, creating greater risks. İncirli called for a review and amendment of the relevant regulations.

Lastly, she inquired about the progress of efforts to address legal recognition and identity changes for transgender individuals.