CHP deputy describes free coal distribution in summer as ‘bribe for the presidential elections’

ANKARA – Doğan News Agency

DHA Photo

A main opposition lawmaker has submitted a parliamentary question over the distribution of free coal in an Aegean town in the middle of summer, right before the upcoming presidential elections in August.

Packages of coals were distributed to locals in İzmir’s Karabağ district by the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidarity through the district governorship, said Republican People’s Party (CHP) İzmir lawmaker Alaattin Yüksel.

Yüksel described the move as a “bribe for the presidential elections,” accusing the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of working to gain votes in the area.

“Our people have become poor while the AKP [have been in power]. They deliberately avoid tackling poverty and then control it. They try to gain citizens’ votes by distributing coal before elections, making people dependent on them.”

In the parliamentary question, which is expected to be answered by Family and Social Policies Minister Ayşenur İslam, Yüksel asked how many tonnes of coal had been distributed across Turkey since 2003, as well as in Karabağ this summer.

Yüksel also asked for a comment regarding the claims on whether the distribution of coal by the AKP is linked to the upcoming presidential elections in August.