12.09.2025 15:10
The Disinformation Combat Center responded to claims that bridges and highways would be privatized. In the statement, it was noted, "The privatization revenue target included in the Medium-Term Plan does not pertain to the transfer of ownership of bridges and highways, but rather to the revenues that will be generated from the transfer of operating rights. The process in question is not a sale, but rather the procurement of financial and technical consulting services."
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Claims regarding the privatization of bridges and highways operated by the General Directorate of Highways have emerged. According to allegations from foreign press sources, it has been stated that at least 9 toll roads, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, will be privatized. The Disinformation Combat Center responded to these claims.
"SALE IS NOT LEGALLY POSSIBLE"
In a written statement from the DMM, it was said, "Recently, some media outlets and social media accounts have circulated the claim that 'the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, and highways across the country are being sold.' These claims are part of a disinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public. The truth is that the 'sale' of highways and bridges is not legally possible. Ownership remains with the state, and only the transfer of operation and maintenance rights for a certain period to the private sector can occur. This practice is not unique to the current government period."
"NOT A SALE, BUT A PROCESS OF PURCHASING FINANCIAL SERVICES"
The law numbered 4046, enacted in 1994, prepared the legal ground for the transfer of operation rights of public assets, including highways and bridges; this task has been assigned to the Privatization Administration, which continues to carry out the same activities today. The privatization revenue target in the Medium-Term Program does not cover the transfer of ownership of bridges and highways but rather the revenues to be obtained from the transfer of operation rights. The transaction in question is not a sale but a process of purchasing financial and technical consultancy services.
"CLAIMS THAT THE STATE WILL DISPOSE OF THESE ASSETS ARE COMPLETELY BASELESS"
In this process, global examples are being examined, fair and transparent pricing models are being developed, alternative financing methods that will reduce the state's investment burden are being researched, and strategies that will protect the public interest at the highest level are being created. Claims that these assets will be sold to foreigners or disposed of by the state are completely unfounded. Terms such as "sale," "burden on citizens," and "plunder" used in the news are statements aimed at creating a false perception.
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