PM Üstel says radical decisions on the way

Revealing the government’s plans during a TV programme he attended on Tuesday, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel pointed out that the government, like other governments around the world was dealing with the effects of the pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine as well as a rise in the cost of living due to fluctuations in the foreign exchange rates.

“The impact of the global economic crisis has been felt much harder in our country because of our small size,” he said, expressing his expectation from the public to show more unity and solidarity during these times of hardship.

Regarding the issue of municipal reforms which include reducing the number of municipalities or merging small municipalities, Üstel said the final number will be determined by an Ad-Hoc Committee which will then send its decision to parliament for approval.

“We are working to create more financially sustainable municipalities. We said we would be introducing reforms and we will go ahead with this,” he added.

Üstel also said that efforts were underway to reduce the rising cost of living in the country due mainly to rising fuel and energy prices as a result of the war in Ukraine.