Stories from Ankara · Turkey

CHP leader Özgür Özel instructed party staff to conduct special studies following meetings of the Party Assembly and Mayors. The party plans to organize joint rallies with opposition parties, including the DEM Party and İYİ Party.

Turkey has reportedly submitted a proposal to act as a mediator between Ankara, Lebanon, the United States, and Hezbollah. The Beirut government is reportedly approaching this offer with caution and has not shown intent to accept at this stage. This development follows reports regarding potential diplomatic roles for Turkey in the region. Turkey may act as a mediator between Lebanon, the United States, and Hezbollah to resolve regional tensions, according to a report in the Jerusalem Post. The report notes that Washington has not yet provided a definitive response to Turkey's interest in mediation. According to a report from Israel's Ceresolem Post Gazetesi, the United States has not yet responded to this proposal. Turkey has proposed to mediate between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah in an attempt to gain regional prominence, according to reports in Israel.

The 2026 budget indicates a interest burden for Turkey, with interest payments expected to reach 2.74 trillion lira this year. Dervişoğlu highlighted that this figure represents the highest interest load in the history of the Republic.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated during an AK Party group meeting that the Grand National Assembly must carry out its legislative duties fully and without terrorism. He asserted that the current process is progressing as intended and that manufactured perceptions will not alter the course. Erdoğan claimed the initiative aims to thwart regional games and address threats to national brotherhood. He stated that citizens must set aside differences to embrace unity and brotherhood during this difficult period. He also commented on the ongoing terrorism process, noting a positive atmosphere in recent discussions. He said the necessity of strengthening national cohesion. These remarks were made in the context of ongoing terrorism concerns in Turkey.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Abdülkadir Uraloğlu stated that investigations into the crash of a Libyan aircraft are ongoing.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar was questioned by the AK Party group regarding claims that a mining company has failed to pay worker wages. The Ministry of Energy is reportedly involved in the ongoing discussion and process regarding these unpaid claims.

Turkey has changed the training requirements for obtaining motor vehicle trade authorization certificates. The amendment also mandates that businesses must update their authorization documents if any information contained within them changes.

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced that April birth assistance payments have been deposited into mothers' accounts. To date, approximately 16 billion lira has been paid to 990,360 mothers. The announcement was made in Ankara.

Mustafa Yılmaz, President of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), stated that Turkey's petroleum supply will not be affected by energy crises originating from the Strait of Hormuz. Yılmaz confirmed that Turkey currently holds oil reserves equivalent to 90 days of net imports. The remarks addressed concerns regarding potential blockades or closures of the Strait. A system requires operators and states to maintain strategic reserves for energy security. These reserves are designed to cover 90 days of petroleum product consumption and 30 days of gas consumption. The system is described as being in a state of permanent self-replenishment.

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) has introduced new title restrictions for electricity supply companies.