Turkey Extends Force Majeure for Earthquake-Hit SMEs

Turkey Extends Force Majeure for Earthquake-Hit SMEs

t24.com.tr

Turkey Extends Force Majeure for Earthquake-Hit SMEs

Turkey extended force majeure for 80% of SMEs in Kahramanmaraş earthquake-affected cities until May 31, 2024, impacting 73,087 businesses with 2022 turnover under 2.5 million lira (approx. 6 million lira by 2024), per a statement by Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek.

Turkish
Turkey
PoliticsEconomyTurkeyDisaster ReliefSmesTax ReliefEarthquakesMehmet SimsekForce Majeure
Hazine Ve Maliye Bakanlığı (Ministry Of Treasury And Finance)
Mehmet Şimşek
How does the 2.5 million lira turnover threshold impact the scope and effectiveness of the force majeure extension?
The extension of force majeure aims to alleviate the financial burden on SMEs struggling to recover from the devastating earthquakes. The 2.5 million lira turnover threshold, equivalent to approximately 6 million lira at the end of 2024, ensures that the majority of affected businesses receive support. Taxpayers exceeding this threshold have their force majeure status ending on November 30, 2024, but can apply individually for an extension.
What immediate economic relief has the Turkish government provided to businesses affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes?
Turkey extended the force majeure status for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the cities affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes until May 31, 2024. This impacts 80% of taxpayers in the affected areas, encompassing 73,087 businesses with a turnover below 2.5 million Turkish Lira in 2022. The decision was made by the Minister of Treasury and Finance, Mehmet Şimşek.
What are the potential long-term economic consequences of this force majeure extension, and what challenges might hinder its effectiveness?
This measure reflects the Turkish government's ongoing commitment to supporting the economic recovery of the earthquake-stricken regions. While providing relief to a significant portion of businesses, the individual assessment process for those exceeding the turnover limit creates a potential bottleneck and may hinder speedy recovery for some. The long-term economic impacts will depend on the effectiveness of this support and future policy initiatives.

Cognitive Concepts

2/5

Framing Bias

The article frames the extension as positive news, highlighting the government's action and the large percentage of businesses covered. The focus is on the government's response rather than a balanced view of the challenges faced by all affected businesses. The headline (if any) would further influence this framing.

1/5

Language Bias

The language used is mostly neutral and factual, reporting statements from the Minister. There is no overtly biased or charged language.

3/5

Bias by Omission

The article focuses primarily on the extension of the force majeure status for small and medium-sized businesses. It mentions that businesses exceeding a certain turnover have a different deadline but doesn't detail what support, if any, they receive. This omission could leave readers with an incomplete picture of the overall government response and the support available to businesses of all sizes.

3/5

False Dichotomy

The article presents a dichotomy between businesses with turnover below and above 2.5 million lira. While acknowledging that those above this limit can apply individually, it doesn't explore alternative support mechanisms or gradations of assistance that might exist for businesses in the intermediate range.

Sustainable Development Goals

Decent Work and Economic Growth Positive
Direct Relevance

The extension of the force majeure status for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the earthquake-affected regions until May 31, 2024, aims to support their economic recovery and help them to continue their operations. This measure can contribute to job preservation, preventing further economic hardship, and supporting the overall economic recovery of the region. The support specifically targets SMEs, which constitute 80% of taxpayers in the affected areas, highlighting a significant focus on this crucial segment of the economy.