Scandal at the Turkish Parliament restaurant: They are packing up cheap meals to take home

While Turkey struggles with an economic crisis, the affordable restaurants of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) frequently come to the agenda. However, this time the issue is not the price of the food, but the overcrowding and abuses in the restaurants.

Not only current members of parliament, but also former deputies and their relatives can benefit from the social facilities inside and outside the Parliament campus.

THE "I AM A RELATIVE OF A DEPUTY" ADVANTAGE

According to a report by Nefes newspaper, some relatives of deputies come to the restaurants in groups of 15-20 people with their families or even friends. Preferring the TBMM facilities instead of going to restaurants or cafes outside, these groups do not just eat; they sometimes sit at tables and hold social gatherings.

The scandal is not limited to this. It has emerged that some individuals have food such as grilled items, pastries, and desserts packed up at the restaurant to take home.

Despite all warnings from the staff, those who claim to be "relatives of a deputy" continue to take advantage of this service. This situation has driven the facility staff to their wits' end.

PARLIAMENT ADMINISTRATION TAKES ACTION

Following this density and abuse occurring at the facilities, the Parliament administration has taken action. The administration has put the option of a "quota application" on the table to limit the use of the facilities, especially by relatives of deputies and their guests.

In this way, it is aimed to both lighten the burden on the staff and ensure that the facilities serve those who truly need them.