Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s Election Bribery Scandal: What You Need to Know
During the election period, Mansur Yavaş, who campaigned with the slogan ‘we will not give away public assets’, was found to have turned a blind eye to the sale of 7 shops for millions of liras below their value. It was revealed that the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality allowed the sale of shops belonging to the Ankara Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, which were prohibited from being sold, and filed a lawsuit to cancel the title deeds. However, it was discovered that the municipality withdrew from the case just 9 days before the local elections were held while the trial was ongoing.
An encumbrance decision was made by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality in 2008 regarding an 8-story building in the Altındağ district, stating that after the exchange transaction with the Ankara Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen’s Union, the shop should not be sold or leased to any individual or legal entity.
The first complaint was made to the Ministry of Commerce
However, it was found that 7 shops in the building were transferred to third parties by the Ankara Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen’s Union in violation of the encumbrance decision. As a result, some tradesmen filed a complaint to the Ministry of Commerce through their lawyers, alleging that the shops were sold to third parties at significantly lower prices in an irregular manner, causing damage to the public. The complaint letter requested an investigation into the process followed for the sale of the shops in 2019 and 2022 despite the encumbrance decision, whether a market value research was conducted, and whether the income obtained after the sale was accurately reflected in the official records of the union.
Withdrawal from the lawsuit before the elections
The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, believing that the transaction was a public loss, filed a lawsuit for cancellation and registration of the title deed at the Ankara 25th Civil Court of First Instance. While the trial was ongoing, it was alleged that the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality met with the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen’s Union before the local elections on March 31 to discuss the matter. In this context, it was revealed that the municipality withdrew from the lawsuit aimed at compensating for the public loss just 9 days before the election. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality stated that it withdrew from the lawsuit due to the ‘financial burden’ of the trial and sent this decision to the Legal Counsel on March 22.
The scandal surrounding the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s involvement in the sale of shops meant for the Ankara Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen’s Union has raised serious concerns among the public. The municipality’s decision to withdraw from the lawsuit just before the elections has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The incident has also brought into question the integrity and transparency of the municipality’s actions and raised doubts about its commitment to upholding the public interest.
Impact on Local Businesses
The sale of shops meant for the Ankara Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen’s Union at significantly lower prices has had a direct impact on local businesses. Many small business owners who could have benefited from these shops at fair market prices have been deprived of the opportunity due to the irregular sales. This has not only resulted in financial losses for these businesses but has also created a sense of injustice and unfair treatment within the local business community.
Legal Ramifications
The involvement of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality in the sale of shops in violation of encumbrance decisions has legal implications. The failure to adhere to the established regulations and procedures raises questions about the municipality’s accountability and the enforcement of the rule of law. The withdrawal from the lawsuit aimed at rectifying the public loss further complicates the legal situation and highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the municipality’s actions.
Public Trust and Accountability
The election bribery scandal involving the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality has eroded public trust in the institution and its leadership. The lack of transparency and accountability in dealing with the irregular sale of shops has raised serious doubts about the municipality’s commitment to serving the public interest. The decision to withdraw from the lawsuit just before the elections has only deepened these concerns and reinforced the need for greater oversight and accountability in the municipality’s actions.
In conclusion, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality’s election bribery scandal has exposed serious breaches of trust and integrity within the institution. The irregular sale of shops meant for the Ankara Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen’s Union, coupled with the withdrawal from the lawsuit aimed at rectifying the public loss, has highlighted the need for greater transparency, accountability, and oversight in the municipality’s actions. It is imperative that the municipality takes swift and decisive action to address these issues and restore public trust in its leadership and governance.
