19.07.2025 17:30
The bill prepared by the AK Party to meet Turkey's energy supply needs, which was brought to the agenda of the Parliament on July 17 and paves the way for mining activities in olive groves, has been approved by the General Assembly.
The "Draft Law on Amendments to Certain Laws," prepared by the AK Party to meet Turkey's energy supply needs and presented to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly on July 17, has been accepted. This draft includes the opening of olive groves to mining activities.
ARTICLE 11 OPENING THE DOOR TO MINING IN OLIVE GROVES
The most criticized regulation of the proposal, Article 11, foresees that mining activities carried out for electricity production can be conducted in olive grove areas in a "nature-compatible" manner.
At the same time, this proposal paves the way for the leasing of olive grove areas by mining companies at appropriate prices for citizens whose properties have been expropriated.
A temporary article added to Article 11 poses a serious risk of causing significant harm to the environment by allowing mining activities in olive grove areas under the pretext of electricity production. Although the proposal anticipates the relocation of olive trees or the planting of new ones, the integrity of the ecosystem and the productivity of the trees may not be recoverable.
In response to the reactions, some changes were made to Article 11. The text of Article 11 was amended with a proposal submitted by AK Party deputies.
This article allows mining activities for electricity production in certain regions of Muğla to be added as a temporary 45th article to the Mining Law, imposing obligations on the companies that will engage in this activity.
IT HAD CAUSED A FIGHT IN THE ASSEMBLY
The discussions regarding the draft law in question had caused tensions to rise in the General Assembly. There were heated debates between AK Party and CHP deputies during the discussions.
In moments of rising tension, AK Party and CHP deputies charged at each other. DEM Party Mersin Deputy Perihan Koca recorded those moments with her mobile phone. AK Party Ağrı Deputy Ruken Kilerci charged at Koca in response to this situation.
Following the scuffle, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Tekin Bingöl had to suspend the session.
CHP'S OCCUPATION OF THE PODIUM
Before the fight that occurred in the General Assembly, CHP deputies had occupied the podium. CHP members protesting for the withdrawal of the proposal had staged a demonstration by occupying the podium.
As the occupation of the podium continued, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Tekin Bingöl had to suspend the session twice.