DEVA Party's Esen: Even fire detectors in the Turkish Parliament are not working

DEVA Party Deputy Chair and Istanbul MP Elif Esen delivered a speech at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Esen began her speech by addressing the fire tragedy that occurred at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Bolu Kartalkaya Ski Center. Raising a striking claim during her address, Esen reacted by saying, “We know that in some rooms even within the TBMM buildings, people smoke and fire detectors do not work; the fish rots from the head!”

Esen used the following expressions in her speech: 

“In addition to the responsibility of hotel management and staff, the shortcomings in the inspection mechanisms of ministries and public institutions paved the way for this disaster. It is our responsibility to show everyone that human life is not that cheap.

The hotel in question received the Sustainable Tourism Program Certificate twice in a row from the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency. However, inspections reveal serious deficiencies ranging from fire escapes to alarm systems. It is not explained to the public how this certification process operates transparently. 

ASKED MINISTER ERSOY

Minister Ersoy stated that many hotels were closed due to deficiencies. So, why was the Grand Kartal Hotel not one of them? Why did this hotel continue its operations while so many shortcomings, from fire prevention systems to fire escapes, had persisted for years? 

We know that in the TBMM buildings, where 7 thousand people work, people smoke in some rooms and even the fire detectors do not work. I call on the Parliament administration to rectify these deficiencies. The fish should not rot from the head; we must ensure safety everywhere.

It is essential that everyone responsible for this grave incident is held accountable before the law so that consciences may be eased, if only slightly. To prevent further loss of life and to provide a safe environment for our citizens, it is imperative that the investigations be conducted transparently."

News Source: 12punto