Turkey Parliament Vote on Saudi Renewable Energy Deal Marred by Alleged Fake Ballots

On 23 June, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) convened to vote on the intergovernmental agreement with Saudi Arabia for renewable‑energy projects totaling 5 000 MW. The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Pervin Buldan, failed to achieve the required quorum after opposition parties demanded a paper‑ballot check. The Good Party, CHP and New Way accused the ruling coalition of submitting 76‑79 ballots for MPs who were not present, describing the episode as a "fake ballot scandal" and "an evening of shame" for the parliament.

Opposition members read the names on the ballots aloud, noting that many listed AKP MPs were absent from the chamber. After the first vote and a repeat vote also fell short of the 200‑member quorum, Buldan closed the meeting. The agreement, signed on 3 February 2026 in Riyadh, envisages Saudi‑backed solar and wind plants, with the first phase involving two 1 000 MW solar farms in Sivas and Karaman, financed entirely through foreign capital and guaranteeing electricity purchase for 30 years.

MHP deputy Zuhal Karakoç defended the deal, calling energy independence “Turkey’s red apple” and stressing its strategic importance amid regional geopolitical tensions. Other MPs, such as New Way’s Necmettin Çalışkan and the Good Party’s Turhan Çömez, demanded transparency on the companies involved and warned that the arrangement amounted to a capitulation agreement signed behind closed doors.