Allegations of investigation permit for CHP Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın! Statement from the municipality

Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın is alleged to have been granted an investigation permit by the Ministry of Interior due to a tender process conducted in 2024.

According to a report in the pro-government Sabah newspaper, the prepared file covers decorative decorations, installation of structures, and special lighting works carried out before the Republic Day celebrations. It is alleged that the work in question was completed by a firm on October 28. However, it was claimed that the tender was held on December 31, 2024, and the contract was signed on January 15, 2025.

It was stated that the allegation of irregularity regarding the transaction, which amounts to approximately 2 million TL, was brought to the Ministry of Interior by AKP Council Member and Audit Commission Member Lawyer Birol Şahin.

STATEMENT FROM BALIKESIR METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality issued a statement regarding the investigation permit granted by the Ministry of Interior concerning Ahmet Akın.

In the statement made by the municipality, it was said, "Immediately after the detection of the transaction in question, the process was stopped; no payment was made from the municipal budget, and therefore no public loss occurred."

The statement included the following: "Despite the swift, transparent, and lawful steps taken, the granting of an investigation permit regarding our Mayor does not align with the principles of the rule of law. Necessary objections and applications regarding the matter will be made to the Council of State in the coming days."

The following was noted in the statement made by Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality:

"It is observed that the news and comments in some media outlets in recent days do not reflect the truth and aim to create a false perception in the public.

In accordance with Public Procurement Law No. 4734, mayors do not hold the title of tender authority or expenditure authority. In this context, our Mayor has no instructions, written orders, or involvement regarding how the work in question would be carried out.

Immediately after the detection of the transaction in question, the process was stopped; no payment was made from the municipal budget, and therefore no public loss occurred.

Upon learning of the issue, the necessary administrative procedures were carried out without delay.

In this context; the relevant Department Head was dismissed, an administrative investigation was launched against them, the disciplinary board imposed one of the heaviest disciplinary penalties, 'stoppage of step advancement,' and the file was transferred to the Balıkesir Governorship for the execution of necessary criminal proceedings.

On the other hand, it is known that similar irregularities occurred in past periods; however, mayors were not involved in the process at that time, and no investigation permits were granted against them. Despite this, it is noteworthy that an investigation permit was granted against our Mayor in the current incident; the decision in question is considered to be devoid of legal basis.

Despite all these swift, transparent, and lawful steps, the granting of an investigation permit regarding our Mayor does not align with the principles of the rule of law. Necessary objections and applications regarding the matter will be made to the Council of State in the coming days. Indeed, there are precedent decisions made by the Council of State in similar disputes.

It is considered that news reports based solely on an administrative decision, without an indictment or a court ruling, are damaging to the presumption of innocence and intended to manipulate public opinion.

As Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, we respectfully inform the public that we will continue to manage the resources entrusted to us by the people of Balıkesir in line with the principles of transparency, accountability, and commitment to the law, and that we will prioritize public interest under all circumstances."

News Source: 12punto