'Municipalities' move by AKP and MHP: Draft will be presented to Erdoğan and Bahçeli

AKP Deputy Chairman and Local Governments Chairman Mustafa Demir visited MHP Deputy Chairman Sadir Durmaz within the scope of local administrations reform.

During the meeting, the reform draft prepared by the People's Alliance to strengthen supervision in municipalities, ensure financial discipline and increase sanctions was discussed. According to the information obtained, the study has reached its final stage.

FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE AND AUDIT WILL BE INCREASED IN MUNICIPALITIES

AKP Deputy Chairman Mustafa Demir had previously presented the draft study on local governments reform at the Central Decision and Management Board (MKYK) meeting held under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. During his visit to Mardin, Demir stated that they were carrying out studies to ensure financial discipline in municipalities and strengthen control mechanisms. The regulation aims to audit municipalities not only in terms of compliance with accounting standards, but also in terms of risk management, performance, internal audit and debt management.

CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES WILL BE INCREASED

Within the scope of the reform, it is also planned to increase the direct participation of citizens in the decision-making processes of local governments. Work is being done on regulations that will allow citizens to make suggestions to municipal councils and request re-evaluation of city council decisions with a certain majority. In addition, the 'citizen budget' application aims to increase citizen participation in the budget processes of municipalities and strengthen transparency.

THE REFORM STUDY CONSISTS OF 5 MAIN TITLES

Local government reform; It consists of 5 main headings: 'Strengthening transparency and supervision in local governments', 'Developing the local government model', 'Reorganizing the financial structure of local governments', 'Implementing new practices in local governments' and 'Reconsidering zoning and planning processes'.

The draft aims to increase accountability in municipalities, eliminate the confusion of authority between institutions and strengthen the financial structure. Supporting the services offered to citizens with new funds, using technological applications more effectively in municipal activities, and reorganizing the zoning processes while preserving the historical, cultural and social structure of the cities are also included in the study.

THE DRAFT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO ERDOĞAN AND BAHÇELİ

During the meeting held to finalize the draft, MHP's work, opinions and suggestions regarding local governments were also evaluated. According to information obtained from sources, the reform draft, which will be completed in line with the evaluations of the People's Alliance partners, will be presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. Following the study, it is planned to bring the regulation to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM).