Controversial law passes in Parliament! Olive groves sacrificed for profit

The first 18 articles of a legislative proposal regarding the opening of olive groves to mining activities have been approved by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly. This regulation includes changes known in the public eye as the "Super Permit," which covers the relocation and leasing of olive groves.

With a motion by the AKP, an amendment made to the 11th article of the proposal stipulates that in the event of the relocation of olive groves, those located on properties belonging to state-owned economic enterprises in provinces where mining sites are situated, or those deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, may be leased for a period of 20 years at one percent of their value. Tenants who fulfill maintenance obligations at the end of the lease period will be able to extend the term by ten years at a time.

According to the legislative proposal, if mining activities conducted to meet electricity needs coincide with areas registered as olive groves, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources may grant permission for the relocation of olive trees and the conduct of mining activities. In this process, public interest will be taken into consideration.

For every year that mining activities are carried out in areas where olive groves are located, an additional collection equal to the operating license fee will be made from the license holder for the purpose of rehabilitating the sites. Furthermore, Treasury properties needed for new olive orchards may be leased to applicants for a period of 10 years at the current market value.

In order to provide the necessary real estate for production facilities based on renewable energy sources, the Energy Market Regulatory Board will be able to make urgent expropriation decisions until the end of 2030. An 85 percent discount will be applied to the permit and lease transactions of these facilities, and the duration of these discounts will be extended by 5 years.

The TBMM General Assembly adjourned to hold its next meeting today at 14:00.