18.07.2025 10:05
During the discussions on the proposal to open olive groves to mining in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, CHP member Sarıbal's words, "Shall we serenade those who sell the plains and mountains of this country?" ignited the debate. AK Party member Varank shouted at the CHP benches, "Look at this, you're sitting like a bear," to which CHP member Başarır responded, "You're the bear, you backward, immoral man."
The discussions on the omnibus bill, which includes opening olive groves to mining activities, are ongoing in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). CHP Bursa Deputy Orhan Sarıbal, who spoke on Article 9 of the proposal, reminded everyone of the damages caused by non-renewable energy sources both in the world and in Turkey.
"THIS IS THE NAME OF THE EXPLOITATION MODEL"
Sarıbal stated, "The fundamental dynamic presented by the law is to share the basic resources, nature, and both underground and above-ground riches of this country first with international companies and then with their local collaborators. The name is clear: green energy, mining, sustainable development; with these justifications, we are actually witnessing a clear part of a model that not only destroys the country's essential natural resources but also embodies the fundamental mentalities of plundering, looting, and increasing wealth today. Countries may change, methods may change, but the purpose and intent never change. For example, despite all the objections, despite numerous objections in terms of procedure and content, what could be the reason for this law to be persistently brought back again and again? This is the clear name of the exploitation model established by capitalist energy monopolies and capitalist miners both in the world and in our country. Now, you are sacrificing your own grave today and your children's future tomorrow to fill the coffers of those imperialists. To whom? To international companies and local collaborators."
"YOU ARE BETRAYING THIS LAND"
Continuing his remarks, Sarıbal said, "What you are doing is evil for this country. You will certainly pay the price for this evil, and that is why you do not want to go to the polls. You want to hand over all the resources of this country to your allies; you are after this. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is in the palace, said: 'You speak to me very harshly, what should I do? Should I write poetry for the traitors who betray my country?' This is what Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said. Now, what should we do? What should we do to those who sell the plains, mountains, forests, and the future of children of this country, should we compose serenades? You are in a state of betrayal to this land; may those who remain silent be worse than you. Down with dictatorship, down with fascism, down with imperialism; long live solidarity."
"THE PEOPLE'S MAN IS AT WORK"
In response to Sarıbal's statements, AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Muhammet Emin Akbaşoğlu said, "Our esteemed President has been elected by the halal votes of this noble and honorable nation, whether he has been eaten or not, he has been elected, and alhamdulillah, the man has won. Who elected Recep Tayyip Erdoğan? The nation elected him, the nation; over 52 percent. In 2023, they were saying: 'We are coming with 60 percent. You will not be here at this time.' But here we are, the People's Alliance is here, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is at work, the people's man is at work," he reacted.
TENSION ESCALATED, A BREAK WAS GIVEN TO THE SESSION
As Akbaşoğlu was finishing his speech, AK Party's TBMM Industry Commission Chairman Mustafa Varank shouted from his seat towards the CHP benches, "Look at this state, you are sitting like a bear." In response to Varank's words, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır replied, "You are the bear, you backward idiot, immoral man." After the exchange, AK Party and CHP deputies stood up and exchanged words. As the tension rose in the General Assembly, TBMM Deputy Chairman Tekin Bingöl gave a break to the session.