An unusual method to secure speaking time in the Turkish Parliament: MP who applied cream to their finger makes headlines

General Assembly meetings at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) begin at 14:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The first 30 members of parliament to log into the system before the session are granted a one-minute speaking slot.

This short speaking opportunity is highly valued by MPs as it allows them to share their views with the public from the podium.

However, securing this speaking time requires speed within the system. MPs log in by using fingerprint-operated devices placed at their desks to join the queue. Those who make it into the top 30 get the chance to speak, while those who are late may have to wait for weeks.

ALLEGATION OF AN MP APPLYING CREAM TO THEIR FINGER

An allegation circulating in the parliamentary lobbies has caused surprise. According to a report by Nefes, one member of parliament stated that they applied cream to their finger so that the fingerprint reader would respond faster. It was claimed that this allowed the device to recognize the fingerprint more quickly, enabling the MP to log into the system early and secure speaking time.