Alanya Tradesmen Call for Record Amnesty to Ankara

Tradesmen in Alanya, struggling through tough economic times, have started closing their businesses. Representatives of the tradesmen have appealed to authorities, urgently requesting a record amnesty for the tradesmen.

Many tradesmen who failed to achieve their expectations during the tourism season have started shutting down their businesses in the winter. Those burdened with debt and unable to pay their checks and promissory notes have been blacklisted by banks and government institutions. In hopes of at least continuing into the new season, they have called on authorities for a record amnesty. Representatives also emphasized the need for immediate support and a genuine record amnesty for the tradesmen.

"We Need a Genuine Record Amnesty"

Velittin Yenialp, President of the Alanya Keykubat Tradesmen and Craftsmen Credit and Surety Cooperative, stated:

“There must be a genuine record amnesty. Previous amnesties have not been effective. Checks and promissory notes issued by the tradesmen should no longer appear in the system. A genuine amnesty for our tradesmen is essential. Tradesmen are facing challenges in obtaining credit due to their negative records. Furthermore, tax offices and the Social Security Institution (SGK) are placing liens on tradesmen's accounts. Along with the amnesty, these liens should also be lifted. There should also be a restructuring of tax and SGK debts so that tradesmen can breathe easier. We urge bureaucrats in Ankara to take immediate action for a comprehensive record amnesty.”

"Tradesmen Are the Pillars of Our Nation"

Hüseyin Değirmenci, President of the Alanya Restaurants and Pension Owners Chamber, said:

“The last record amnesty was issued in 2022. After the general elections in 2023 and the local elections in 2024, the inflation experienced worldwide, and particularly the higher inflation in our country, led to market contraction and stagnation. This situation pushed economic policymakers to implement monetary tightening for the country's future. Cash flow in the market decreased to control inflation, but this also caused a significant regression for tradesmen. The economic downturn has brought tradesmen to an unprecedentedly poor financial state. There has been an increase in unpaid checks, promissory notes, and credit card debts compared to last year. Looking at the statements from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, it seems that this contraction will continue.

To help tradesmen survive this economic downturn, they need access to credit. Therefore, in 2025, a record amnesty must be urgently introduced, providing tradesmen and craftsmen with low-interest loans and an opportunity to clear past debts. The continuation of tradesmen’s businesses is essential for injecting dynamism into the economy. The existence of tradesmen means the existence of our country and streets. Tradesmen are the pillars of our nation, and we must ensure that this pillar does not collapse.”