20.06.2026 10:41
In the Kelkit district of Gümüşhane, with a population of 20,000, the purchase of a luxury official vehicle despite the savings measures circular sparked controversy. Defending the 13 million lira car amid the backlash, Kelkit Mayor Ünal Yılmaz drew attention with his words: "They begrudged a crappy car. But the people of Kelkit should say, 'My mayor should have ridden in a better one.'"
The savings measures implemented across Turkey to prevent waste in the public sector have become a topic of debate once again with the new official vehicle purchased in the Kelkit district of Gümüşhane. Despite the circular published in the Official Gazette on May 17, 2024, which imposes restrictions on the use of service vehicles by mayors, the luxury vehicle added to the Kelkit Municipality fleet has drawn public reaction.
2025 MODEL AUDI DESPITE SAVINGS MEASURES
The 2025 model Audi A6, allocated to the municipality of a district with a population of 20,000 and claimed to cost between 11 and 15 million lira, has become the focus of criticism. As reactions grew, Kelkit Mayor Ünal Yılmaz made a statement on the matter.
Stating that Kelkit Municipality was founded in 1875 and has about 50 vehicles in its fleet, Mayor Yılmaz argued that the vehicle purchase should not be seen merely as a matter of a car.
"THEY BEGRUDGED A SHITTY CAR"
Responding to the criticism directed at him with striking words, Yılmaz stated that the old official vehicle lagged behind those of other municipalities and said:
"Kelkit Municipality's official vehicle was the oldest in terms of model and brand among the municipalities in Gümüşhane. They begrudged a shitty car. Today, as the Mayor of Kelkit, I represent an office. When we attended meetings, among 14 municipalities, the vehicle with the lowest model and lowest brand was Kelkit Municipality's vehicle. Yet, the people of Kelkit should be saying, 'My mayor should be riding in something better.'"
"IT'S NOT MY PERSONAL VEHICLE, IT'S KELKIT'S VEHICLE"
Emphasizing that Kelkit is the largest district of Gümüşhane, Yılmaz claimed that the newly purchased diesel vehicle's fuel costs are more economical compared to other vehicles. Denying the claims that the vehicle's price is between 11 and 15 million lira, the Mayor concluded his words as follows:
"The vehicle purchase process was carried out entirely in accordance with legal procedures. This vehicle is not Ünal Yılmaz's personal vehicle; it is a vehicle purchased on behalf of the municipality. It should have been considered that Kelkit Municipality needs a stronger and higher-quality vehicle."