Debated municipalities bill sent to president for approval

Debated municipalities bill sent to president for approval

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

President Abdullah Gül. AA photo

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.

As part of the new deal, the boundaries of metropolitan municipalities have been extended to include the whole province, a proposal that has irritated opposition parties because many voters in rural areas tend to vote for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
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