What steps will be taken? AKP corridors: Is the Public Procurement Law changing?

Following the March 31 local elections, activity has picked up in AKP corridors.

According to a report by Emrah Özcan from Türkiye newspaper, regulations to be carried out under the leadership of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance will aim to provide economic relief to citizens from all walks of life. Tightening policies will be implemented without compromise, public spending will be cut, austerity measures will be increased, and certain measures to reduce consumption will be taken. The burden of the tightening will largely fall on the public sector. A special strategy will be applied regarding investment and growth. 

Measures will begin primarily with the public sector. Authorities will crack down on unregistered money, and measures will be taken to minimize tax evasion. An era of austerity will begin in the public sector, and not a single penny of extra-budgetary appropriation will be granted. Investments such as agricultural production, high-quality investments, irrigation, and dams will be prioritized. There will be no cuts to agricultural subsidies. Rationalization efforts in the public investment program will be completed shortly, and investments that generate economic and social benefits will be prioritized.

VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

No institution, ministry, or municipality will be allowed to exceed the limits foreseen in their budgets. Support for municipalities will be limited, and they will be warned to use their funds more efficiently. Restrictions will be imposed on shuttle services in the public sector. Non-essential shuttle services will be terminated. Vehicle purchases and leasing will be restricted. The limits set for vehicles will not be exceeded. Institutions requesting vehicles will be directed to prioritize Togg. Very strict rules will be set for leasing or purchasing new vehicles. The purchase or leasing of new public buildings will be strictly prohibited. Full austerity measures will be applied regarding public building expenses. Requests for appropriations in this regard will be rejected outright. If necessary, the number of personnel in offices will be increased.

BAN ON VACATIONS UNDER THE GUISE OF SEMINARS

When there are requests for international or domestic meetings, training seminars, or conferences, each institution will hold its programs within its own building or in its own location. If participation in an international meeting is mandatory, there will be a limit on personnel. For example, a public institution in Ankara will not be able to pay for a 5-star hotel in Antalya to organize a training seminar. It will have to do this in Ankara using its own facilities. Furthermore, stationery and representation-hospitality expenses will be strictly controlled.

PROCUREMENT LAW TO CHANGE

Significant changes will be made to the Public Procurement Law. Public procurement legislation will be updated to be compatible with international norms and standards. Expenditures for public procurement will be focused on savings. Every step will be taken to prevent losses that may arise in public procurement.