Turkey welcomed the New Year 2025 with various celebrations and initiatives aimed at spreading joy, particularly among families facing economic hardships. Among these efforts, the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality took significant steps to mark the turn of the year with community spirit and care for local families.
Under the leadership of İzmir Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanı Dr. Cemil Tugay, the municipality aimed to bring smiles to children and families by preparing and distributing 2025 cakes to households with children. This initiative was part of the local government's social welfare efforts as the region celebrated the beginning of the new year.
Selin Kalaycı, who oversees the kitchen at the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality's Social Services Department, shared the motivation behind this heartwarming initiative. “We prepared the cakes to give happiness to the 2025 families with children before the New Year arrived,” Kalaycı stated. “This year was our first time producing cakes, and we have put significant effort over the last two days to make these healthy and hygienic treats.”
The cakes were accompanied by customized New Year's cards bearing wishes from Dr. Tugay, who emphasized the importance of unity and support as people faced challenging times. “Dear compatriots, we are turning the page on another year where we embraced happiness and faced difficulties together,” Tugay expressed, emphasizing his awareness of the financial challenges families are experiencing. “We want to make your New Year special, and we are with you every step of the way.”
While the festive spirit was palpable with the cake distribution, the nation also entered 2025 with rising costs, particularly evident at the fuel pumps. Anticipated price hikes due to increased taxes raised concerns among citizens, who now face higher living costs.
Reports indicated significant increases of 1 lira 27 kuruş on Tuesday for gasoline due to ÖTV (Special Consumption Tax) hikes, bringing prices to around 45.32 TL per liter in Istanbul and higher rates elsewhere. This increase was part of a broader trend where the last month saw prices jump by 7.6%. Many vehicle owners are now grappling with unexpected burdens as these rising costs affect their daily budgets.
Fuel prices, which are influenced by international market trends and currency fluctuations, are now expected to spill over their increased prices to various sectors, intensifying woes across the economy. The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), after facing legal challenges, ceased to announce changes to fuel prices, leaving citizens to speculate bitterly about their expenses.
The backdrop of festive spirit and the warmth displayed through initiatives like cake distributions are, unfortunately, overshadowed by economic pressures such as fuel prices increasing. Nevertheless, the İzmir municipality’s efforts highlight the impact of community support, engaging residents through meaningful gestures during economically challenging times.
Reflecting on the dual aspects of celebration and concern, the 2025 New Year signifies both the hope of renewal and the challenge of rising costs. İzmir's cake distribution efforts demonstrate how local governments can engage with their communities effectively, reminding people of the importance of solidarity and joy, particularly as they strive to make their New Year as sweet as the cakes distributed.