The concept of 'social' has been adopted into many languages from French. It refers to every issue related to society; its synonym is 'societal'.

The word 'adalet' (justice), on the other hand, entered Turkish from Arabic; its synonym is 'türe' (equity). It is the principle of ensuring the right recognized by laws for everyone. State organizations ensure the protection and equal distribution of this right. The large building where courts are located is called the Palace of Justice.

Sebahat Atlı, Member of Parliament for the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), held a conference, meeting at her office on July 9, 2026, under the title Social Justice.

The gap between the rich and the poor is growing steadily. Those with great wealth, property, and capital are increasing it further. The risk of becoming poor or joining the impoverished class is ever-present. While low-wage citizens and workers need social assistance, the salaries of employees in managerial positions in companies are rising. Companies and employers are investing in countries where labor is cheaper and taxes are lower. For this reason, the number of unemployed in the country is increasing.

The problems I listed above are spreading globally like a pandemic. Germany is also getting its share of this, struggling to maintain its role as an example of the best-functioning welfare state.

According to the census, the number of elderly and retirees is increasing. An employed person, in addition to having to support their family, must contribute to the solvency of the pension fund and health insurance through deductions from their salary.

The functioning of the social system can be partially solved by bringing in qualified personnel from abroad. If certain professions like police, firefighters, and teachers were salaried employees instead of civil servants, the pension fund could be strengthened.

For now, the issue of civil servants is not being touched upon in discussions.

The Social Democratic Party's proposal is for wealth owners to pay more taxes and for the lowest worker wages to increase. At least then, employed individuals would not need social assistance.

Reforms to be made on this very important issue should be effective in the future and planned long-term. Employee insurance, preparation for retirement years, health insurance, and solidarity-based care insurance amounts should be well calculated.

The conference was given by Lothar Binding, who was a Member of the German Federal Parliament between 1998 and 2021. He gave an excellent presentation, enhancing the expressive power of numbers and figures with graphs to support his assumptions.

Lothar Binding was born in Niestetal in 1950 and completed his higher education in Mathematics, Physics, and Philosophy in Tübingen and Heidelberg in 1973. He works as a scientist at various institutes. He is still actively working in social and civil organizations such as the management of the Working Group for Retirees (SPD) and the Tenants' Protection Association.

Giving opportunities to such experienced retired individuals, who are a treasure trove of knowledge and experience, in events like conferences or panels, and benefiting from them, is highly productive for social life.

Aging is not a disease; it is a chance given to humankind. Young people and grandchildren whose parents died early cannot find answers to their questions years later. When aging people pass on their experiences and the past to younger generations, they make fewer mistakes, benefit from the experiences of the elderly, and do not lose time and energy.

Active politician Sebahat Atlı (SPD) specialized in issues concerning the elderly and retirees in the Berlin Parliament. Her office is overflowing during the events she organizes. Some, like my spouse, returned without attending because they couldn't find a place.

Sebahat Atlı was born in the district of Spandau in 1971. Since 2021, she has been a Member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the Berlin Parliament, elected directly rather than from a list. She completed her higher education in economic law.

Whenever I see her team, my heart fills with joy, and I look to the future with hope. Greetings and thanks to those wonderful young people who found me a seat right in front of the speaker by placing a chair, and who asked me with body language during the conference if I wanted a drink. The district of Berlin-Spandau is proud of you.

Everyone who sees Sebahat Atlı's energetic demeanor wishes for her re-election in the parliamentary elections in September. Her presence and her work in important events give hope for the future, especially to German citizens of Turkish origin, and we are proud of her for being a good example to our children and grandchildren and for her achievements. Her presence encourages participation in such meetings.

Dear readers, participation in the Berlin Parliamentary elections to be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, has never been this important. Every vote against the far-right party AfD is important. Young people, please help retired parents or grandparents who are German citizens and spending their summer holidays in Turkey to participate in the election by mail.

Politics should be done with the people, not on behalf of the people.

Social democrats in Western countries worldwide practiced politics with a small elite class for years. In Turkey, the CHP is struggling to remain in political life without having the opportunity to self-criticize.

May all your wishes come true.

Farewell!

İlter Gözkaya-Holzhey           

                      

eMail: [email protected]

Sources:

Information provided at the meeting.

Information about Lothar Binding: Wikipedia