YENİ Party reacts to bridge and highway privatization decision

The YENİ Party Economy Coordination Council reacted to the Presidential Decree enabling the privatization of bridges and highways for a period of 30 years, stating that this practice means sacrificing the revenues of future generations and demanded the withdrawal of the decision.

Reaction to Privatization Decision

The YENİ Party Economy Coordination Council reacted with a written statement to the paving of the way for the privatization of bridges and highways for 30 years with the decision published in the Official Gazette. The statement noted that the procedures are projected to be completed by December 31, 2031.

Interest Expenditures and Revenue Loss

In the statement, it was argued that the government sacrificed the nation's 30-year bridge and highway revenue for a resource not even reaching one-sixth of its interest expenditures. It was emphasized that the state waived future regular public revenues in exchange for an upfront fee.

Past Tender Processes Reminded

Recalling that the same assets were also attempted to be privatized in 2012, the statement reminded that the Prime Minister of the period, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, deemed a 5.7 billion dollar offer insufficient back then and described it as treason, drawing a comparison with today's conditions.

Financing Cost Will Be Reflected on Citizens

It was stated that the company winning the tender would want to recover its financing cost and profit in a short time, which would lead to an increase in toll fees and a decrease in discounts. It was pointed out that citizens will be forced to pay both toll fees and taxes.

Emphasis on Transportation Security and Infrastructure

Stating that the Bosporus bridges are strategic infrastructure elements, it was noted that how maintenance standards, structural safety, and intervention authority during disasters will be audited during a long-term operational transfer needs to be clearly explained.