Babacan Trolls Bilal Erdogan, Says “Your Father Spoiled Religion for Everyone”

Summary:

Former economy minister and opposition leader Ali Babacan sharply criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government over poverty, taxation, and governance, accusing it of abandoning its founding principles. In unusually blunt remarks, Babacan also responded to comments by Erdoğan’s son Bilal Erdoğan, arguing that years of corruption and injustice under religiously branded rule have damaged public trust in piety.

4

Sharp Criticism at New Path Group Anniversary

Speaking at a weekly meeting marking the first anniversary of the New Path Group, opposition politician Ali Babacan delivered a wide-ranging critique of Turkey’s economic management, social policies, and political direction.

Babacan, a former deputy prime minister and economy minister under the ruling party’s early administrations, accused the government of presiding over deepening poverty rather than managing the economy.

“You are not managing the economy, you are managing poverty,” Babacan said, referring to the government’s handling of inflation, pensions, and wages.

Pensions, Poverty, and “Managing Destitution”

Babacan focused first on retirees, criticizing the government’s decision to raise the minimum pension to 20,000 lira while presenting a monthly increase of just 1,062 lira as a major achievement.

“Retirees are not asking for charity or favors,” he said. “They want back the income that was taken from them through inflation.”

He cited recent workplace deaths involving elderly workers — including a 75-year-old truck driver and a 71-year-old construction worker — as evidence of widespread economic distress.

“The picture of Turkey that you are proud of is one where elderly citizens are dying in workplace accidents,” Babacan said.

Hunger Line vs. Minimum Wage

Babacan also highlighted official data showing the depth of income erosion. He noted that the Turkish trade union confederation TÜRK-İŞ estimates the monthly hunger threshold at 30,143 lira, while the Directorate of Religious Affairs has calculated a family’s monthly alms (fitre) requirement at 28,800 lira.

Both figures, Babacan stressed, remain well above the minimum wage and minimum pension.

“Even the state’s own religious authority is indirectly admitting that minimum wage earners now require assistance,” he said.

Technology Access and Import Limits

Turning to trade and technology policy, Babacan criticized the government’s decision to lower the overseas online shopping limit to €30, arguing that the move was driven by lobbying rather than public interest.

He said the measure disproportionately harms young entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts by limiting access to affordable equipment and innovation.

“They are killing tomorrow’s technology giants before they even emerge,” Babacan said. “Citizens have been left at the mercy of exclusive distributors — in other words, monopolies.”

Accusations of Betraying the AK Party’s Own Program

Babacan, one of the original architects of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s founding economic program, accused the government of violating its own commitments.

He recalled that the party’s original platform promised simpler and lower taxes, arguing that the opposite has occurred.

“I am formally reporting this,” Babacan said. “The current government is committing a party discipline offense by doing the exact opposite of what it promised and continuously raising taxes.”

Criticism of Health Procurement Policy

Babacan also criticized pricing policies set by the Health Ministry and the State Supply Office for joint prosthetics, claiming that domestic manufacturers are being underpaid while U.S.-made products receive higher reimbursement rates.

“Weren’t you supposed to be ‘local and national’?” Babacan asked. “You are pushing world-class domestic producers into bankruptcy through unfair competition.”

To Bilal Erdoğan: “Talk to Your Father”

Babacan’s most controversial remarks came in response to recent comments by Bilal Erdoğan, who had argued that public confidence in religious individuals should be strengthened.

Babacan rejected the premise, saying that public distrust toward religious rhetoric is a direct result of governance failures under an administration that constantly emphasizes religious identity.

“My advice to him is to have an honest conversation with his father,” Babacan said, referring to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“Why did public perceptions of religious people deteriorate? Who caused it? During a period of rule that constantly highlighted religious identity, illegality, injustice, and corruption became institutionalized,” he said.

Babacan added that while networks of self-interest may exist close to power, millions of devout citizens remain deeply committed to justice and ethical conduct.

Warning on Capital Flight and Online Gambling

Babacan concluded by warning that confidence in Turkey’s economy has eroded sharply, citing data showing $9.6 billion in domestic capital outflows over the past 12 months — a record level.

He also criticized the government’s action plan against illegal online betting, calling it ineffective.

“If you are sincere,” Babacan said, addressing the president directly, “don’t waste time on action plans. Shut it down tonight with a single signature.”

PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

Follow our English YouTube channel (REAL TURKEY):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg

Twitter: @AtillaEng
Facebook: Real Turkey Channel: https://www.facebook.com/realturkeychannel/***