21.04.2026 12:03
The President of the Competition Authority, Birol Küle, announced that an investigation has been launched into 19 schools due to increasing complaints about the prices of non-educational services in private schools, and that the process may expand. Küle stated that investigations are ongoing in many sectors, including agriculture, dairy, finance, and digital platforms, emphasizing that the capacity for oversight has been increased with artificial intelligence and that the aim is to strengthen the competitive market structure.
Competition Authority President Birol Küle stated that the investigations initiated against private schools due to tuition fees and prices of ancillary services such as meals and stationery could expand.
COMPLAINTS INCREASED, INVESTIGATIONS GROWING
Competition Authority President Birol Küle evaluated the investigations and sector reviews conducted by the institution in an interview with Anadolu Agency. Küle noted that there has been a significant increase in complaints specifically against private schools, emphasizing that the investigations initiated in this area could grow.
INVESTIGATION INTO 19 SCHOOLS
Küle recalled that an investigation was launched against 19 private schools due to pricing practices in ancillary services such as meals and stationery, in addition to tuition fees, stating, “There were numerous complaints on this issue. I believe that the investigation into private schools will continue with a significantly increasing number.”
COMPETITION BOARD IN HEAVY WORKLOAD
Küle mentioned that the Competition Board concluded numerous investigations last year and opened new files, stating that they also focused on sector research during this process.
190 MILLION LIRA FINE IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Küle expressed that they encountered serious violations, particularly in the seed and seedling areas within the agriculture sector, reporting that approximately 190 million lira in fines were imposed in the investigations conducted in this context. He stated that the awareness of competition law has not yet sufficiently settled in the sector, but companies are entering a compliance process.
PREPARATION FOR NEW REGULATION IN THE DAIRY MARKET
Küle indicated that they are conducting two separate investigations in the dairy sector, emphasizing their goal to create a fairer and more transparent market in raw milk purchases and milk applications in exchange for feed. He stated that they do not accept reconciliation applications in this context and that a system protecting producers will be established with the final decisions to be made.
CRITICAL VIOLATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
Küle expressed that investigations are ongoing in the banking and insurance sectors, noting that they encountered violations aimed at preventing labor mobility, which poses serious risks for economic development.
DIGITAL GIANTS UNDER SCRUTINY
Küle stated that investigations into digital platforms are also ongoing, mentioning that reviews are being conducted regarding various companies, especially Apple and Google. He noted that the restrictions on alternative payment systems and the anti-competitive effects of data power are being closely monitored.
CLOSE MONITORING IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL AND FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS SECTOR
Küle mentioned that they are examining the use of handheld terminals in fast-moving consumer goods and announced that a comprehensive study on the pharmaceutical sector is nearing completion. He stated that the results of this study will be shared with the public in the upcoming period.
NEW COMPETITION POLICY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Küle announced that they have initiated a new sector review regarding competition policies in the digital age, stating that they are in the process of creating a clear policy in this area and will hold a workshop to gather the views of all stakeholders.
AI MONITORING 550 SECTORS SIMULTANEOUSLY
Küle emphasized that artificial intelligence is actively used in audit processes, stating that this technology allows for the simultaneous analysis of 550 sectors. He expressed that they can detect cartel risks in public tenders through algorithms.
GOAL: COMPETITIVE AND STRONG ECONOMY
Küle added that the main aim of all their efforts is to strengthen competitive market conditions in Turkey and support sustainable economic growth.