Turkish mayors defend large‑scale road repairs and tree removals amid criticism

Ardahan Mayor Faruk Demir used his social media account to answer criticism over deteriorating roads and sidewalks. He posted images of municipal crews working day and night on a city‑wide repair operation, stressing that the short construction season and harsh weather demand intense effort to leave Ardahan with no problematic roads before the festival period. Demir thanked the staff and asked residents to tolerate temporary dust and inconvenience.

Kütahya Mayor Eyüp Kahveci similarly addressed public concern about the removal of 25 trees at the Meydan intersection. He explained that the decision followed scientific reports, technical assessments and a traffic commission ruling, aiming to improve traffic flow and emergency‑vehicle access. Officials deemed tree relocation impossible due to root systems, underground utilities, and the need for a clear work area. The project is expected to reduce vehicle waiting times, fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining the city’s green‑area commitments.