Parliament Planning to Build New Cities: Chairman Yılmaz
Turkish Parliament’s Plan and Budget Committee Chairman, Cevdet Yılmaz, has stated that the economy is the top issue for Turkish citizens. Inflation remains a major concern, despite good performances in tourism, health, and employment. According to Mr. Yılmaz, the government aims to reduce inflation, which currently stands at 43%.
Food, housing, and energy are the three basic household expenses that have the most significant impact on inflation. To permanently reduce inflation, Mr. Yılmaz advocates increasing supply by focusing on increasing agricultural production. The government is looking to take steps to increase the supply of goods to the market, which will reduce prices.
In terms of energy costs, Mr. Yılmaz believes that reducing the energy cost element is a priority. The government plans to reduce Turkey’s dependence on foreign energy, with a shift towards renewable energy sources. Oil and natural gas discoveries could affect energy prices positively, and Turkey is hoping for good news in this area soon.
Housing prices are another key factor that affects inflation. Mr. Yılmaz believes that increasing housing supply will be key to reducing housing prices. The government is looking to build new settlements to accommodate a population of up to one million in Istanbul and Anatolia.
The government has also highlighted its commitment to aid public employees who face housing problems in metropolitan areas. The authorities are considering ways to relieve public employees’ burden, and the issue has been included in the election manifesto.
In conclusion, reducing inflation and the cost of living for Turkish citizens is the government’s primary concern. The government plans to increase the supply of goods, focus on agricultural production, and shift towards renewable energy. The new settlements for housing and measures for public employees could also help address these issues.