Bickering between ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and opposition lawmakers this week marred ongoing debates in Parliament on a draft law on the country’s municipal structure with opposition lawmakers criticizing the content of the draft and the way the AKP rushed it, Hurriyet informs.
The most common argument by opposition deputies is that the bill, which stipulates the establishment of new metropolitan cities, would pave the way for federalism in Turkey. The AKP is also accused of changing the boundaries of some districts to gain advantage in local elections.
The debate over the bill in Parliament has led to verbal and physical confrontations between ruling and opposition party members.
“Do you want to found ‘the United States of Turkey’? You have to watch your step. You cannot bear this responsibility,” Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy Yusuf Halaçoğlu said late Nov. 8 during parliamentary debates.
Clashes mar local elections debate in Turkey
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