According to data from Ministry of Family and Social Policies, the number of children who are taken under state protection due to the poverty of their families increased by 71% in the period 2014-2016.
AKP (Justice and Development Party) government in Turkey claims that the welfare of people increased during AKP rule. However, official data negate these claims. Income inequality and poverty increase steadily; a huge portion of people live in debt.
According to official data, provided by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, the number of children who need protection and care by state increased rapidly in recent years. The number of people in need of protection was 80,375 in 2014, whereas it became 137,415 in 2016; indicating an increase of 71%.
Families which cannot afford their main needs are supported by the state. Thousands of families cannot look after their children due to poverty. However, the main causes of poverty; income inequality, unemployment and low wages remain as unsolved problems. Politicians of AKP continue rhetoric of welfare in the political area but the real problem of poverty is tried to be covered up by alms from the state.
