The Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) will begin its legislative work for the week on Tuesday, May 27, with a focus on a draft bill that includes amendments to the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet).

The General Assembly is set to review the “Law Proposal Amending Certain Laws and Decree Law No. 660,” drafted in line with Constitutional Court annulment decisions.

Stricter oversight on religious travel

Under the proposal, all operations and expenditures to Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, including spending from the Hajj and Umrah Fund, will be audited annually at the end of each Hajj season by the Presidency of Religious Affairs and, if necessary, by auditors appointed by the Presidency of the Republic.

The High Council of Religious Affairs will also review, or commission the review of, Qur’an translations upon request from public institutions, private entities, or on its own initiative.

New electronic notification requirement for energy sector

The bill also mandates that license and permit holders under the Mining Law and Turkish Petroleum Law activate and use a Registered Electronic Mail (KEP) system. Those who fail to comply will face administrative fines of ₺300,000 ($7,714.62) for every three months of noncompliance.

All assets and properties belonging to the General Directorate of Mining and Petroleum Affairs (MAPEG) and the Turkish Energy, Nuclear, and Mining Research Institute (TENMAK) will be treated as state property and will be immune from seizure.

Tougher traffic penalties ahead

The Justice Committee of the TBMM will also begin discussions on a separate bill that introduces significant increases in traffic fines.

Proposed changes include:

• A fine of ₺180,000 ($4.628) for drivers who aggressively tailgate or exit their vehicle with the intent to intimidate; their licenses will be suspended for 60 days, and their vehicles impounded for 30 days.
• Drivers operating excessively loud vehicles will face a ₺16,000 ($411.45) fine.
• Running a red light and causing an accident will result in a 60-day license suspension, with reinstatement only after passing a psychotechnical assessment.
• Speeding within city limits by 46–55 kilometers/hour over the limit will result in a 30-day suspension; 56–65 kilometers/hour, 60 days; and over 66 kilometers/hour, 90 days.
• Failure to yield to emergency vehicles will incur a ₺15,000 ($385.73) fine.

State economic enterprises under review

The State Economic Enterprises (KIT) Commission will continue reviewing the 2021 and 2022 balance sheets and income statements of the following institutions:

• State Supply Office (DMO)
• National Lottery Administration
• Ankara Natural Electricity Generation and Trade Inc.
• T.H. Karadeniz Copper Operations Inc.
• Dogusan Pipe Industry and Trade Inc.
• Sumer Holding Inc.

Mixed committee to hear testimonies

A joint committee formed by members of the Petition Committee and the Human Rights Inquiry Committee will hear testimony from institutions that have consistently failed to respond positively to requests for information or recommendations. Institutions that have demonstrated a positive track record will be awarded plaques of recognition.

New speaker election begins

With the term of the current TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmus coming to an end, the five-day candidacy period for the second-term election of the 28th legislative session will begin this week.

The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) parliamentary group, under the leadership of Group Chair Abdullah Guler, will hold a closed session on Wednesday, May 28, to elect the new group chair and deputy chairs for the upcoming legislative term.

Meanwhile, political parties represented in Parliament will hold their weekly group meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

May 25, 2025 12:44 PM GMT+03:00