Warning from Özgür Özel to companies bidding on bridge and highway tenders: 'We will be here next year'

YENİ Party Chairman Özgür Özel reacted to the decision regarding the privatization of bridges and highways during his speech in Edirne. Özel criticized the plan to transfer lines, including the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, to the private sector.

Stating that the decision has been on the agenda for a long time, Özel said that their previous warnings were ignored. Arguing that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed the decision, Özel stated that the process was carried out "quietly and without fanfare."

Claiming that toll fees will increase after privatization, Özel said, "All cheap highways will become five times more expensive, and the first and second bridges in Istanbul will become at least twice as expensive. They are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs."

Stating that he opposes the transfer of bridges and highways in exchange for 25 years of revenue, Özel also addressed the companies that will participate in the tender. Özel used the expressions, "We will be here next year, we will come to power. We will nationalize all highways."

Stating that the investments needed by citizens will be made during his party's term in power, Özel also argued that the toll booths on highways will be removed. Özel said, "During the YENİ Party government, we will do everything the nation needs. But we will tear one thing down. We will tear down all the toll booths on those highways."