Erhürman Criticizes Development Plan, Calls for Population Census

Speaking during the parliamentary session on the Prime Ministry’s budget, Erhürman questioned the credibility of the projected population figure of 489,000, arguing that a development plan without proper population projections cannot be considered valid.

Erhürman highlighted the necessity of accounting for population growth over the next five years and asked whether any work on population planning had been undertaken. He also criticized the government for requesting feedback on the plan within just two days and noted that their single meeting on the matter was insufficient due to the lack of data and planning.

Regarding earthquake preparedness, Erhürman questioned why children were still being educated in container classrooms, stating that the issue was not seismic risk but the inability to calculate school-age population needs.

Calls for Population Census

Erhürman called for a proper population census, dismissing the objection to confining people to their homes for a day as a minor issue compared to broader challenges such as ambulance shortages and hospital inadequacies. He also recalled that a previous census could not be conducted due to the "Rahip Brunson incident" despite a budget allocation of 6.5 million TL.

Criticism of Kıb-Tek and Energy Costs

Turning to developments at Kıb-Tek, Erhürman alleged that equipment was damaged by burning sediment from fuel depots, as highlighted in meetings with Turkish experts. He challenged claims by Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı about potential sabotage, calling for evidence.

Erhürman also criticized rising electricity prices despite stable fuel and currency rates, questioning why prices were not decreasing and calling attention to Kıb-Tek’s 9-million-TL losses.

Rising Cost of Living and Healthcare Concerns

Addressing the cost of living, Erhürman expressed frustration at the repeated claims of progress on revising the inflation basket, which he said have been ongoing for six years without results. He urged the government to take responsibility and complete the work promptly.

On healthcare, Erhürman highlighted the struggles of cancer patients in accessing medication. Health Minister Hakan Dinçyürek acknowledged recent delays in obtaining permits for certain oncology drugs but assured that the issues had been resolved and that the supply of medications had been uninterrupted for 14 months.

Tensions in Parliament

During the session, Education Minister Nazım Çavuşoğlu accused Erhürman of making misleading statements, leading to heated exchanges among MPs.