Cemil Tugay lashes out at the government: 'You are ignoring the problems'

Cemil Tugay made striking statements regarding the central government during his speech at the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Council. Arguing that loan approvals are being blocked, Tugay stated that support has not been provided on many issues, primarily the cleaning of the Gulf, rail system investments, treatment projects, and İZBAN. Tugay said, "You have not built a single meter of metro in İzmir, and you have not kept the promises you made."

FINAL ACCOUNTS ACCEPTED AT THE MAY COUNCIL MEETING

The third session of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality's ordinary council meeting for May was held at the Council Meeting Hall located in Kültürpark Hall No. 4. In the session chaired by Mayor Cemil Tugay, the 2025 Fiscal Year Final Accounts and the Movable Property Management Account of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality were accepted by majority vote.

Details regarding the municipality's investment items and financial structure were also shared during the meeting.

RAIL SYSTEM INVESTMENTS STAND OUT

It was stated that one of the municipality's largest investment items throughout 2025 was rail system projects. In this context, it was announced that 5.5 billion liras were spent on the Buca Metro.

It was stated that an investment of 857 million liras was made within the scope of the Buca Onat Tunnel and connection roads project. While it was reported that asphalt paving and road maintenance work continued throughout the year, it was noted that total capital expenditure reached the level of 16.3 billion liras.

Information was shared that the highest investment expenditures were made by the Department of Rail Systems and the Department of Science Affairs.

12.8 BILLION LIRA SUPPORT TO ESHOT

Social municipal practices were also addressed during the council discussions. It was stated that in-kind and cash assistance to citizens in need continues, support for students is ongoing, and contributions are being made to amateur sports clubs.

It was stated that within the scope of public transportation services, 12.8 billion liras in support was provided to ESHOT alone during the year.

Regarding the evaluation of the municipality's financial structure, it was reported that its total assets exceeded 1 trillion liras, and its equity reached 951.7 billion liras.

Furthermore, it was reported that the international credit rating agency Moody's evaluated the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality with the highest credit rating, AAA, for the first time in 10 years.

“CANNOT BE EVALUATED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS”

Touching upon economic conditions in his speech, Cemil Tugay said that the municipality's budget and expenditures cannot be evaluated independently of the economic crisis in the country.

Stating that high inflation has increased municipal expenses, Tugay expressed that the rise in natural gas prices also affects costs. Noting that there is a serious discrepancy between the inflation forecasts of the Central Bank and the government at the beginning of the year and the figures that emerged at the end of the year, Tugay stated that this is directly reflected in the municipality's income and expenses.

Tugay also announced that Treasury and Iller Bank shares were cut by 40 percent in the first four months of 2025.

“WE WILL BUILD THE BUCA METRO WITH OUR OWN RESOURCES”

Speaking about the Buca Metro project, Tugay directed criticism at the AK Party group.

“We will build the Buca Metro with our own resources. This project is very important to us. First, lift the pressure regarding loans, pave the way for financing, at least approve one loan; then criticize,” said Tugay, arguing that the municipality is being pushed into a difficult situation.

Claiming that no contribution is being made to the solution of their problems in any ministry or directorate, Tugay said that the government is not acting sincerely.

“WE COULD NOT USE A SINGLE PENNY OF LOANS”

Claiming that the central government is creating obstacles in the loan approval processes, Tugay also responded to criticisms regarding the investment budget.

Stating that no support has been provided for the cleaning of the Gulf, rail system investments, treatment projects, İZBAN problems, and the second ring road, Tugay said, “You talk about social justice, but you ignore the problems of İzmir's 4.5 million population.”

Stating that no loans were granted for the Mürselpaşa and Ege Neighborhood bridge projects, Tugay said, “We could not use a single penny of loans. I would love to thank you, but the loans have been waiting for over two years. For one year, they were not approved for no reason.”

“YOU CANNOT STOP İZMİR”

Continuing his criticism of the government in the remainder of his speech, Tugay said, “You have not built a single meter of metro in İzmir, and you have not kept the promises you made. You cannot stop İzmir; you have no right to do so.”

Stating that the loans do not come out of the government's budget and only require approval, Tugay reported that it has been stated that loan processes are not progressing due to certain political pressures.

CRITICIZED PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS

Making evaluations regarding public-private partnership projects, Tugay brought up the payments made for city hospitals and highways.

Stating that 111.1 billion liras in rent was paid to city hospitals in 2025, Tugay said that 85 billion liras were paid for highways with foreign currency guarantees, and 9.8 billion liras were paid for airports that he stated are not being used.

Arguing that these practices create an economic burden on municipalities and citizens, Tugay stated that the tax burden applied to public transportation should be removed. Stating that public transportation fares are kept low in İzmir, Tugay said that the municipality is working to ensure that citizens do not suffer.

Tugay said, “We provide the cheapest public transportation in Turkey in İzmir. We are trying to alleviate the grievances of our people. Anyone with a conscience should see this picture.”

News Source: 12punto