Turkish politicians challenge privatization of major bridges and highways

Turkish political figures are raising concerns regarding the privatization of major national infrastructure. Following a Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette, several highways, ring roads, and bridges—including the July 15 Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges—have been included in a privatization program.

Selçuk Özdağ, a Muğla Deputy and Yeni Yol Group Deputy Chairman, has submitted a written parliamentary inquiry to Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek. Özdağ is seeking clarification on the economic and financial calculations used to determine the 30-year operating rights transfer, as well as the actual revenues and expenses of these public assets. He noted discrepancies in reported annual revenues, questioning whether figures such as $600 million or $804 million are accurate, and highlighting that a significant portion of reported income is tied to maintenance and investment costs.

Simultaneously, Vatan Partisi leader Doğu Perinçek has voiced strong opposition to the move during a program in Aydın. Perinçek characterized the 30-year leasing of bridges and highways as a form of sale and pledged his party's support for labor unions, such as Yol-İş, that are resisting the privatization of these assets.