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Minister of Labor and Social Security Dr. Vedat Işıkhan Discusses Urban Transformation and Social Security Challenges
In a recent interview with CNN Türk, Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, addressed critical issues facing Istanbul and Kütahya following the recent earthquake. Emphasizing the need for urgent urban transformation, Işıkhan noted, "The earthquake is not a political matter; it underscores the reality that we live in an earthquake-prone region."
Urban Transformation as a Priority
Minister Işıkhan highlighted the importance of urban transformation projects as a means to prepare for future earthquake risks. He stated, "While we cannot prevent earthquakes, we can build stronger cities. The quickest method to achieve this is through urban transformation." He urged citizens to engage in rapid transformations of their buildings, especially those that are structurally unsound or have suffered damage.
Municipal Financial Responsibilities
The minister also addressed the financial challenges facing municipalities, disclosing that municipal debts total approximately 196 billion TL. "Our only income for sustaining the social security system comes from insurance premiums collected from employers and public institutions," Işıkhan explained. He emphasized the need for municipalities to settle their outstanding premium debts promptly to ensure the stability of the social security system.
In a bid to improve cooperation, the Ministry has reached out to all municipalities with outstanding debts, encouraging them to communicate openly and work towards repayment. "Our goal is to treat all municipalities equitably, regardless of their political affiliations," he stated.
Employment and Pension Balance
Işıkhan also noted a worrying trend regarding the ratio of active workers to pensioners in Turkey. Currently, one employee supports the pensions of 1.61 individuals, a marked decrease from a ratio of 2.5 in 2009. "We have activated our employment policies to address this imbalance, as reducing unemployment is vital for our economic health," he remarked.
Transparency in Debt Collection
The minister highlighted new initiatives to streamline debt collection. A recent Presidential Decree allows for the collection of municipal premium debts directly from municipal budgets, eliminating the need for mayors to facilitate payment. "This revolutionary measure enables us to ensure that premiums are collected efficiently and transparently," Işıkhan explained.
Conclusion
Dr. Vedat Işıkhan’s statements underscore a proactive approach to addressing pressing issues in urban development and social security. His call for rapid urban transformation and equitable treatment of municipalities reflects a commitment to safeguarding Turkey’s citizens against future disasters while ensuring the sustainability of its social security system.
