Public travel expenses 'take off': Approaching 1 billion liras

In the first half of 2024, the amount allocated to public expenditure items such as accommodation and catering reached 974.3 million TL. 

According to a report by Mustafa Bıldırcın from BirGün, official figures show that 3 million 792 thousand 340 households were only able to sustain their lives thanks to regular social assistance during the January-July 2024 period. 

'EXPECTED TO BREAK RECORDS'

Accommodation, travel, and catering expenses made through direct procurement are expected to break records in the first half of 2024.

'EVENTS BURNED A HOLE IN THE POCKET'

According to the statement made by the Public Procurement Authority, financing was opened for organizations arranged through direct procurement in the first half of the year. In the January-June 2024 period, the total of accommodation, travel, and catering expenses was 974 million 360 thousand TL. Of the total 974.3 million lira expenditure, 414.436 million lira was spent on the procurement of goods, and 559.924 million lira was spent on the procurement of services. The changes in expenditures in public institutions over the years are also concerning. Expenditures amounting to 121,092,700 TL in 2021 were recorded as follows in 2022, 2023, and the first half of 2024:

•2022: 1 billion 4 million 727 thousand TL

•2023: 1 billion 238 million 348 thousand TL

•2024 (January-June): 974 million 360 thousand TL

News Source: 12punto