Shopkeeper in Aydın: Provide tax exemption and delay loan payments

Doğukan DOĞAN
Aydın

Shopkeepers are among the many victims of the bitter economic measures prescribed by President Tayyip Erdoğan. Shopkeepers who experienced economic difficulties during the pandemic are now on the brink of bankruptcy due to new restrictions. Shopkeepers in Aydın, who are struggling to meet their needs, demanded that the government pass relief measures for the payment of rent, bills, taxes and loans.

Yıldız Demirci, a restaurant operator, said a perception exists that small businesses are spreading the virus and that he strongly opposes it. “In the markets, in shopping malls, there are no restrictions, so is it the case that when people are gathered in dense crowds, the virus does not spread, but it spreads when they are dining out? The restrictions aren't very convincing to me. Either place comprehensive restrictions or stop placing undue burdens on storekeepers. How long can we manage with takeaways?”

SHOPKEEPERS CAN'T PAY THEIR RENT OR BILLS

Demirci stated that shopkeepers are in a state of uncertainty, “I was able to pay the first installment of my loan debt, but I don't know if I can pay the second installment. Our counter was full of food, and now you can see, the counter is empty. The sunflower oil I bought for 38 liras is now 55 liras. How do I stock this counter? We're in a crisis, we had to lay off our staff. We urgently need the government to support shopkeepers. We can't pay our rent, we can't pay electricity and water bills. They come from the ministry to inspect us, but they never ask how we’re doing. The Chamber of Commerce doesn't address any of our problems either. They just send messages that say, ‘This is forbidden, that's forbidden.’ It's impossible for us to continue without any support. Seven people live in my house, how will we eat?”

SHOPKEEPERS HAVE SUNK INTO DEBT

A shopkeeper who operates a liquor store expressed anxiety about his health, "I'm quite old and therefore I'm a little anxious. But somehow I have to keep the store open. Not only me but all liquor store operators have to keep their shops open. The store owner right below me has tested positive for COVID, but he's still running the store. Why is it like this? Because we’re all up to our necks in debt. Anyone who says they don’t have debt is lying.”

“WE ARE ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY”

The liquor store operator, reacting to the new restrictions, said that he found the measures inadequate, “We close at 8 PM while other businesses close at 10 PM. The reason? Because we sell alcohol. I don’t believe this has anything to do with the virus. They are using the pandemic as a pretext to enforce their religious views. Even those two hours of business are critical for us, we are on the verge of bankruptcy.”

The liquor store operator, who believes that liquor store owners should speak out and make their voices heard, said, “When I met with other friends who operate liquor stores, I said, 'If no one is interested in helping us, then let us do something ourselves, let's make a sound.' None of them agreed. They say, ‘Don't get us in trouble.’ But you're already sunk, why are you afraid? Go out and defend your rights.”

SHOPKEEPERS ARE LOSING

Expressing pessimism about the general economic outlook, a shopkeeper said, “It's not just our problem, everyone's facing difficulties. I have a son who just graduated college. Now everywhere is closed. There’s no employment. What can he do except go about aimlessly? The government is pouring billions of liras into Qatar, into its supporters’ conglomerates. They should come and see the state of our youth, they should support them.”

Reacting to the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, the shopkeeper stated that the chamber did not provide adequate support. “The Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen has not given us any support. They only know how to collect taxes. Nobody has come to ask us, 'Are you having any difficulties?' They only come during election time. I’m currently experiencing my greatest difficulties, and I need you to support me. What good are you if you can't do that? Our losses exceed our profits. I buy my weekly goods, but I can't pay. Normally I buy 5,000 liras worth of cigarettes for the shop, but now I can only buy 500 liras of cigarettes. This is how we’re getting by, but for how long?”