03.07.2025 19:49
Responding to criticisms regarding the possibility of mining in olive groves, AK Party Group Chairman Abdullah Güler stated, "The number of olive trees, which was 87 million in 2003, is now 210 million. They are inciting the public with lies." Güler mentioned that 50,000 trees would be relocated using special methods and referred to some journalists by saying, "They are acting against this country."
While the discussions on the bill containing regulations related to energy and mining in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) continue, the 11th article, which is claimed to pave the way for mining in olive groves, has ignited debates. The opposition has demanded the withdrawal of the proposal, arguing that the relevant article will lead to the destruction of olive groves.
GÜLER RESPONDS TO CRITICISMS
While the proposal, which passed through the committee in June under the chairmanship of AK Party Bursa Deputy Mustafa Varank, has resonated widely in the public, AK Party Group Chairman Abdullah Güler responded to criticisms regarding olive groves during a press conference he held in the Parliament today when asked a question.
"JUST THANK THE AK PARTY!"
Denying the claims that olive groves have been harmed, Güler stated, "In 2003, there were 87 million olive trees in Turkey, today there are 210 million. This increase occurred during the AK Party period. Just thank the AK Party, just thank the AK Party!"
"THEY ARE LYING"
Pointing out that the legal regulation at the center of the reactions only involves the relocation of 50,000 olive trees to facilitate access to lignite coal in a thermal power plant basin, Güler said, "All scientists said it is relocatable and suitable. Nevertheless, they are lying by saying 'they will destroy all olive groves.'
"WHAT IS THE REASON FOR YOUR HOSTILITY TOWARDS THIS COUNTRY?"
Claiming that the opposition and some media organizations have distorted the public perception of the proposal, Güler continued his response sharply: "Recently, a newspaper made the deputies the headline. They will destroy the olive groves, etc... Those who write this are not journalists, they are enemies. You are being hostile to this country. All scientists said 'it is relocatable, suitable.' Now why are you inciting people? What is the reason for your hostility towards this country? Tell us so we can know..."