Where’s the money going?
THE protocol has been criticised by some opposition political parties who questioned why the details were not brought to parliament to allow for scrutiny.
Main opposition Republican Turkish Party (CTP) leader, Tufan Erhürman, posting on his social media, said: “Like many other issues, the opposition has been left in the dark on this protocol and we do not know of its contents. Most importantly, what matters from this point on is,without thinking of an election, is to utilise this money correctly. As we stated from the beginning, a spending plan should be drawn up immediately for health and correct areas in the economy.Priority should be given to health, households, private sector workers and those businesses who have been damaged and who are in need of assistance.
“No matter how good, no resource is unlimited and we do not have the luxury to dissipate because of election and wrongful calculations.”
Social Democratic Party leader, Cemal Özyiğit asked: “What is in this protocol that no information [on it] has been shared with the parliament, the opposition, or the public? Why was there a sudden rush to sign it?
We don’t even know if the government has made any undertakings and if so, what they are? Or has Turkey done all this without any reciprocation? We don’t know how much of the 2.88 billion TL will be for financial assistance, and how much is for loans. No information has been given to us.”
Rebirth Party leader Erhan Arıklı called the protocol “a lifeline of support from the motherland to the TRNC.” “It came at a time when, during the Covid-19 outbreak, the government was on the verge of hoisting the flag of surrender. Our Motherland has given a lifeline, a helping hand, to the Government, which has failed to implement previous articles of the protocol signed in July 2019.”
Democrat Party leader Fikri Ataoğlu said “I hope that the formulas produced shall address the serious economic [problems] that will come about in the process ahead.” He said they wanted to see the exact details concerning “reform”.
Economist Professor Dr Hüda Hüdaverdi, said: “If utilised correctly, financial support is open ahead. It is however necessary to conform to every single letter in it.
“The message sent by Turkey is clear,” he said. “Turkey is not sending cash over for more public sector personnel to be employed. Turkey always wants to give support. It is the first time right or wrong, deficient or too much. . .an economic programme has been put forward by this government.”