CHP's Başarır slams AKP over mining bill with 'Kenan Evren' comparison: 'They handed them over to foreign and domestic companies'
In the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), the "Bill on Amendments to Certain Laws," which allows for mining activities in olive groves and is known in the public as the "Super Permit," was passed with 255 votes against 199. CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır held a press conference at the Parliament following the passage of the bill.
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Regarding the passage of the omnibus bill in the TBMM General Assembly that includes opening olive groves to mining activities, Başarır said, "In 1978, Mr. Bülent Ecevit had nationalized all Turkish mines. Kenan Evren revoked this decision and gave them back to companies.
A structure and mentality worse than Kenan Evren has today handed over gold and coal resources, and all mines, to foreign companies, to Canadians, and to domestic companies.
They fought hard for this. The AK Party group attacked us yesterday. Female deputies attacked yesterday. They threatened the lives of our deputies.
Yet, they did not attack the perpetrators of these events in Soma, in Kartalkaya, or in the Çorlu train accident. As I said, shame on them. We will continue to resist," he said.
CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır held a press conference at the Parliament following the passage of the bill.
"I am in my eighth year of my parliamentary duty. For the first time, I feel that my voice has been damaged this much. Because the bill passed today has hurt my soul," said Başarır, adding:
"We showed great resistance, we said everything that could be said. Our female farmers, who are currently on a hunger strike at the gates of the Parliament, fell ill and were taken to the hospital. Everyone had a conscience except for one group: the AKP group. This Parliament last gathered in such large numbers on Saturday for budget negotiations. In those negotiations, we were discussing the livelihood of 86 million people. And this Saturday, eight months later, it gathered for two companies to collect olive groves and agricultural lands. Shame on them. 86 million will not forgive them. While bills are being discussed, the Speaker of the Parliament gives a warning that 'the commission is in place.' Today, both the Parliamentary commission and the other commission were in place. Since the other commission was also in place, they raised their hands with peace of mind for the plunder of olive groves and agricultural lands. From here, we call out to our people once again.
In 1978, Mr. Bülent Ecevit had nationalized all Turkish mines. Kenan Evren revoked this decision and gave them back to companies. A structure and mentality worse than Kenan Evren has today handed over gold and coal resources, and all mines, to foreign companies, to Canadians, and to domestic companies. They fought hard for this.
The AK Party group attacked us yesterday. Female deputies attacked yesterday. They threatened the lives of our deputies. Yet, they did not attack the perpetrators of these events in Soma, in Kartalkaya, or in the Çorlu train accident. As I said, shame on them. We will continue to resist. May our people follow us. These tyrants will go, this is near."