Tensions rise during omnibus bill discussions: 'You are making deals with the PKK, you are waging war on students'

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Planning and Budget Committee has accepted the omnibus bill containing regulations regarding universities and municipalities. During the discussions, the new resolution process and the appointment of trustees to municipalities were debated. DEM Party MP Hakkı Saruhan Oluç stated that trustees have been appointed to 156 municipalities in the last nine years, reminding the committee of the President's statements that this practice would be an exception. Oluç emphasized that the powers of local governments should be increased and requested support from the AKP for the legislative proposal submitted to the TBMM by the opposition to abolish the trustee system.

According to the report by Cumhuriyet, CHP MP Veli Ağbaba brought up the issue of imprisoned students during the YÖK regulation discussions. Criticizing the government's stance on the resolution process, Ağbaba said, "On one hand you talk about peace, on the other hand you are making deals with the PKK. You are waging war against university students and the opposition."

According to the legislative proposal accepted by the committee, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) will consist of 21 members, and these members will be appointed by the President. Rectors of state and foundation universities will also be appointed by the President. Rector appointments in foundation universities will be made upon the recommendation of the board of trustees. Additionally, municipalities with a population falling below 2,000 will be converted into villages, and new municipalities will be able to be established with the approval of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, in line with the opinions of governors.