Nihat Genç's farewell-like speech on Veryansın Tv: We were no one's man, we will own the republic

Journalist-author Nihat Genç, before his death on July 4, 2025, made harsh criticisms of Turkish politics and the media landscape in his last speech on Veryansın Tv, which he founded. Genç stated that there was a political decay covering both the government and the opposition, arguing that independent writing no longer exists in Turkey and that the honor of the pen was sold for money, describing this situation as a disgrace.

Emphasizing in his speech that 'the republic is unowned' and that Turkish youth must take on this duty of ownership, Genç stated that independent writing, law, and justice are the cornerstones of the republic. In a statement summarizing Veryansın Tv’s broadcasting policy, he said that the platform was not on anyone’s side but would always stand by ‘the one underneath, the one without a lawyer, and the one beaten’, stating that they did not say 'so be it' to anything.

Genç asserted that the country's agenda was managed by manipulations and efforts to constantly create new victimhood, while politicians failed to stand by the territorial integrity and constitutional gains. Depicting a picture where companies and holdings do not lose but youth lose hope and are crushed, Genç emphasized that the government is very guilty, but they must also state the mistakes of the opposition, highlighting the necessity of an excessively moralistic stance.

Genç also criticized local and global powers, stating that politicians pursuing openings could not exhibit a clear stance against Israel and colonial companies, and remained silent on the opening up of the land and the constitution to debate. He suggested that during this process, the public was exhausted by creating case and coup scenarios, and in all this chaos, the 'winners' were always the same segments.

Finally, addressing Turkish youth, Genç noted that there is a need for individuals who 'take no money from anyone' and 'are no one's man', and that only people bound by pure morality, law, and conscience can sustain this struggle for the republic to win. Drawing attention to the fact that new harsh measures are being prepared with the same methods, Genç conveyed the message that Veryansın Tv would continue its independent broadcasting life with the same determination, despite all pressures.