The Turkish Parliament is set to resume its work on October 1, after a 50-day recess. According to reports, the parliament will discuss several key issues, including proposals related to the investment fund crisis, regulation of smoking in public places, and the 13th judicial package. The parliament's fifth legislative year of the 28th term will begin with a special opening session on October 1 at 2 pm local time.
The investment fund crisis is expected to be a top priority, with opposition parties preparing to submit proposals for a parliamentary investigation into the crisis. Recently, Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya, a deputy chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party and former minister for family and social policies, resigned from all her party positions amid allegations of irregularities in stock market transactions.
Kaya's resignation followed allegations by Zengin Emre, spokesman for the New Party, that she and her husband, Elias Kaya, had made suspicious transactions in the stock market. Emre claimed that Kaya had bought and sold shares in a company, making a significant profit. The allegations led to Kaya's resignation, and Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus stated that the parliament could set up an investigation committee if a proposal is submitted.
Another key issue on the parliament's agenda is the draft law on the Turkish Red Crescent. The law, which was not discussed during the previous legislative session due to a busy schedule, includes nine articles related to the Red Crescent's duties, powers, and rights. The law aims to regulate the organization's activities and provide it with more authority in responding to disasters and emergencies.
The parliament will also discuss a bill on tourism and digital accommodation platforms. The bill requires platforms providing digital accommodation services to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Foreign platforms currently operating in Turkey will be required to obtain a permit within three months of the law coming into effect and pay a tourism contribution.
The ruling Justice and Development Party is also preparing a bill to restrict the use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, in public places. The bill is expected to include measures to limit smoking in government buildings, hospital areas, and school zones. The party plans to include 20-25 articles in the bill, with 4-5 articles specifically addressing restrictions on smoking in public places.
The 13th judicial package is also expected to be on the parliament's agenda in October. The package includes amendments related to alimony, divorce, and family issues. The proposed amendments aim to regulate alimony payments after divorce and reduce the duration of divorce cases. The package may also include regulations on the use of social media, including verification of user identities to prevent fake accounts and facilitate identification of crime perpetrators.
Key points
- Turkish Parliament to discuss investment fund crisis, smoking ban in public places, and 13th judicial package in October.
- Parliament to resume work on October 1 with a busy agenda.
- New judicial package to include amendments on alimony, divorce, and family issues.
