Debated municipalities bill sent to president for approval in Turkey

A controversial draft law to restructure municipalities that was approved by Parliament on Nov. 12 despite strong opposition objections was sent to President Abdullah Gül for approval today.

Both the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) have previously called on Gül to return the bill to the Parliament for a second debate.

According to the bill, 13 provinces with populations exceeding 750,000 people will gain "metropolitan municipality" status, bringing to 29 the number of provinces with the status.