Baybars: Problems Cannot Be Solved Without a Population Policy

Speaking on Gündem, a program on Kıbrıs Postası TV hosted by Ulaş Barış, Baybars emphasized that without a structured population policy, the country’s problems cannot be resolved.

"The State Has Lost Its Authority"

Commenting on the recent killing of 14 donkeys in the Karpaz region, Baybars argued that the state has lost its authority and that lawlessness is deepening. She noted that while donkeys originally belonged to the Mesarya region, they have been living uncontrolled in Karpaz, causing problems for both farmers and the animals themselves.

“This issue is not new. Donkeys have been shot before,” she stated, criticizing the Ministries of Agriculture and Interior for failing to address the problem.

"We Don’t Know How Many Gun Licenses Have Been Issued"

Baybars also expressed concerns about firearm regulations, stating that gun licenses are being issued without proper oversight. "When the Council of Ministers grants a firearm permit, it should be published in the Official Gazette. However, we have no idea how many handgun licenses have been issued. I submitted a request to Parliament, but I have yet to receive a response," she said.

"Migration Policy is Not Being Implemented Correctly"

Describing irregular migration and citizenship policies as one of the country’s biggest problems, Baybars stated, "According to unofficial data, 13,000 people have been granted citizenship in the past two and a half years. However, this process lacks transparency, is discriminatory, and has become increasingly arbitrary."

She stressed the need for criminal background checks on incoming migrants, warning that individuals wanted for crimes in Turkey or elsewhere should not be allowed to settle in the country.

Baybars also pointed to the rising crime rates and the proliferation of organized crime groups, arguing that no issue can be properly addressed without first establishing a solid population policy. "Even with the best planning in the world, you cannot succeed without a proper population policy," she said.

"Economic Crisis is Fueling Crime"

Baybars linked rising crime rates to economic instability and poor migration management, calling for the establishment of a dedicated cybercrime unit.

On the issue of criminal record amnesties, she suggested that a fair approach would be to grant amnesty to individuals who committed minor offenses at a young age and have not reoffended.

She emphasized that modern penal systems should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, stating, "If these individuals cannot find jobs, they may turn to more serious crimes. It is important to take steps that do not further jeopardize young people's futures."