Ankara municipality under fire as prosecutors launch probe into costly concerts
Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mansur Yavas attends the 'Education Marathon' organized in Anitpark, where press statements on education are to be made for 24 hours, Ankara, Türkiye, July 18, 2024. (AA Photo)
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into concerts organized by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB), led by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), following public criticism over the events’ costs.
The prosecutor’s office has requested authorization from the Ministry of Interior to proceed with the probe, which focuses on allegations of excessive spending.
The investigation comes after reports surfaced that ABB had spent ₺69 million ($2 million) on a concert featuring singer Ebru Gundes during Republic Day celebrations on Oct. 29. The prosecutor’s office initiated the investigation on its own, citing concerns about the municipality’s spending on such events.
The prosecutor’s office has formally asked the Interior Ministry’s Inspection Board to examine potential irregularities in ABB’s expenditures. If authorization is granted under Law No. 4483, the prosecutor will begin a judicial inquiry into the matter.
Main opposition CHP’s Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, in a previous press statement, disclosed that ABB had spent a total of ₺810 million on concerts over the past five years. Defending the expenses, Yavas said, “You stir an uproar as if there’s major waste.”
‘This is not a new development’
In response to the ongoing investigation, Yavas took to social media, writing, “On November 11, after my press statement on this issue, the Ministry of Interior sent two inspectors to investigate. This investigation is still ongoing. There is no new development. No one surpasses us in accountability.”
“We stand by our words—if anyone is guilty, they will face the consequences. We expect the same accountability from all public institutions and municipalities,” he added.
Istanbul municipality under probe
Meanwhile, Turkish news outlet TGRT News reported that inspectors have also been assigned to investigate similar events, including concerts, organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).
The IBB reportedly confirmed that records, documents, and tender files related to all events held since 2021 have been requested.
