Stories from Ankara · Turkey

Turkey's net foreign reserves decreased to $54.2 billion during the week of April 24, down from $58.4 billion. Domestic demand for foreign currency also declined, with local investor foreign currency deposits dropping by $557 million.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the establishment of 16 new international judicial cooperation offices across Turkey. This move is part of the Fourth Judicial Reform Strategy Document aimed at increasing international judicial cooperation capacity. The initiative seeks to accelerate the process of judicial cooperation in criminal matters. Currently, six such offices operate successfully in specific provinces. These will be expanded nationwide with the addition of 16 new bureaus. The festival is nearing its end in Ordu, with one or two days remaining. It will begin in Aydın today. The festival will feature a discussion on the traditional craft of bellows boot making.

Rainfall levels have dropped 20 percent below average, according to reports. Lakes are transforming into salt deserts as groundwater recedes. The loss of groundwater is causing the ground to sink by centimeters every year, creating sinkholes.

The accommodation tax will be reduced from 2% to 1% until December 31, 2026. Additionally, the package provides 60 billion lira in credit and collateral support for the industry. The decision is part of a support package for the tourism sector.

Turkey's service producer price index reached 36 percent annually in March, according to data released by Tweet. The index also showed a monthly increase of 4.06 percent. The data indicates ongoing challenges regarding unemployment and employment levels in the country.

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will start the election process for provincial and district organizations next Thursday. MHP Deputy Chairman Semih Yalçın announced that the ordinary congress is scheduled for March 7 of next year.

Turkey has mandated age rating systems for digital platforms to protect minors. Platforms must implement age verification systems and will be prohibited from providing services to children under 15 years old.

Turkey is preparing a $10 billion investment to establish itself as a digital hub. Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon intend to spend $700 billion on artificial intelligence this year. This spending level is reported as the strongest since 2023. These market gains have primarily benefited the top 10 percent of wealth holders who own 90 percent of stocks. The spending comes despite ongoing conflict in Iran.

Senior PKK commander Murat Karayilan has declared the peace process with Turkey is currently 'frozen'.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that no tolerance will be shown to those attempting to disrupt social peace using the name of the judicial organization. The announcement followed the initiation of investigations into two individuals.