MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli has brought the "100 provinces, 1000 districts" project back to the agenda, pointing to the need for change in the public civil-administrative structure. Bahçeli argued that legal regulations covering everything from central government to provincial organizations, and from bureaucracy to local administrations, have become a "necessity" within the scope of adapting to the Presidential Government System.
Speaking to Türkgün, Bahçeli stated that Turkey's growing population, urbanization process, demographic distribution, economic and social dynamics, and technological developments have created a need for reform in the administrative structure. Expressing that the MHP's project envisions the establishment of 19 new provinces and 78 new districts, Bahçeli said the regulation aims to "rationalize state administration" and "increase the service-oriented efficiency of local governments."
Bahçeli noted that the districts to be made into provinces would be evaluated based on criteria such as population, development potential, geographical situation, difficulties in accessing services, and strategic location. He noted that the final decision would be made by the TBMM in line with the criteria to be set forth by the relevant institutions.
EMPHASIS ON LEGAL REGULATION
The MHP leader argued that the project is not limited only to economic and social needs, and that the administrative structure should be reconsidered within the scope of the "Turkish and Century of Turkey" goals. According to Bahçeli, the organizational structures of central government and local administrations should be regulated in accordance with today's conditions, taking into account the changes in public service demands.
“In order to realize public services effectively and efficiently, to establish public interest to the maximum extent, and to achieve fair, transparent, and democratic standards in management, it has become a necessity to make legal regulations in a wide spectrum extending from central government to provincial organizations, and from bureaucracy to local administrations.”
Bahçeli claimed that these regulations are also important for the permanence of the climate of peace, stability, and prosperity that is being sought to be created "along with the process of a Turkey without terrorism." In his statement, he listed integrity in administration, efficiency in service, citizen-focus, increasing institutional capacity, and the efficient functioning of state organs among the fundamental principles.
Stating that the legislative proposal prepared by the MHP could be brought to the agenda in the coming period, Bahçeli expressed that the administrative system must be constantly renewed to respond to changing social needs.
News Source: 12punto
