Discussion on Taxes in the Turkish Parliament
The General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly recently convened to discuss the articles of the 2025 Central Government Budget Law Proposal. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Bekir Bozdağ, and members of Parliament evaluated the bill, with the first three articles being accepted in the previous session.
During the discussions, tensions rose when DEM Party Mardin Deputy George Aslan expressed his views on the need for minority inclusivity in the government to be established after the interim Syrian government. When Aslan spoke in Syriac, the microphone was turned off, leading to a heated exchange about the importance of different languages and cultural heritage.
After the Budget Law Proposal was accepted, discussions shifted to the importance of sports development in Iğdır, with AK Party Iğdır Deputy Cantürk Alagöz highlighting the efforts to promote sports and unity in the region.
However, the atmosphere turned intense when CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır raised questions about tax payments and accusations against Alagöz’s company. The debate escalated with accusations of tax evasion and unethical business practices.
The discussions continued with TİP Istanbul Deputy Ahmet Şık and AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta sharing their perspectives on the tax debate, emphasizing the need for a respectful dialogue in the General Assembly.
As tensions continued to rise, AK Party Iğdır Deputy Cantürk Alagöz defended himself against the accusations, stating that his companies have complied with all tax laws and have made significant contributions to the country.
Despite efforts to calm the situation, the debates were suspended temporarily by Deputy Speaker Bekir Bozdağ. The General Assembly reconvened after a break, with negotiations continuing on the budget bill.
The exchanges in the General Assembly shed light on the complex discussions surrounding tax payments, business ethics, and political accountability in Turkey’s legislative process. The need for transparency, dialogue, and mutual respect among parliamentarians was evident in the heated debates that took place.
