Barbecue party sparks controversy in Parliament... Response from Bozdağ: Necessary measures have been taken

While the 2024 budget negotiations were underway in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), AKP Diyarbakır MP Suna Kepoğlu Ataman had organized a barbecue party in the Parliament garden, serving liver. IYI Party MP Buğra Kavuncu submitted a parliamentary question to the Speaker of the Parliament regarding the event, which had drawn public criticism. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bekir Bozdağ responded to the motion.

Kavuncu brought up the barbecue party organized under the leadership of AKP Diyarbakır MP Suna Kepoğlu Ataman and asked the following questions:

1. While citizens in Turkey are being crushed by inflation and high price hikes, and many economic problems, primarily the cost of living and housing issues, persist, what is the reason for discrediting the TBMM, which is the roof under which we all stand, in the eyes of the nation in this manner?

2. While minimum wage negotiations are ongoing, and citizens who struggle to afford meat for their homes are anxiously awaiting the minimum wage and civil servant salary increases, is it not grounds for sanction for a representative of the TBMM to hold a barbecue party amidst laughter, as if taunting the citizens, and to serve these images to the public?

3. While a great humanitarian tragedy is unfolding in Gaza, and while the genocide attempt by Israel in Gaza is being voiced at every opportunity, is it humane to organize such an event under the roof of the TBMM?

4. Just a few days ago, while budget negotiations were ongoing, Saadet Party Kocaeli MP Hasan Bitmez experienced a serious health issue and was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack. While the health crisis experienced by the late Bitmez, who passed away today, deeply saddened the entire public, is it really necessary to organize a barbecue party under the roof of the TBMM just a few days later?

5. The TBMM is a reputable and respected institution where we represent the nation. Are any measures being considered to prevent such organizations that would discredit the TBMM and sever its connection with the citizens?

RESPONSE FROM BOZDAĞ

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bekir Bozdağ responded to Kavuncu's parliamentary question. In his written response, Bozdağ stated the following:

“Requests for refreshments are evaluated by the Administrative Office and political party groups and forwarded to the Department of Support Services. The Department of Support Services makes the necessary preparations regarding the incoming refreshments and meals, and carries out the catering and service duties in the lobbies or the restaurant in accordance with the instructions given. Necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the incident/images that are the subject of your parliamentary question do not recur.”