925 carat savings against prohibitions

While savings circulars ban gift-giving in the public sector, AKP municipalities are showing no limits on spending. While raids were launched against CHP municipalities based on non-existent evidence and testimonies of alleged informants, and mayors were arrested, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, chaired by AKP member Mehmet Sekmen, spent the money it had allocated in its budget on silver jewelry sets.

Rosary, Belt and Wallet

In the first six months of this year, the municipality purchased 925-carat silver sets, 668 for men and 163 for women, and paid 3,463,000 TL. The AKP-led municipality also spent on souvenirs such as men's leather belts, men's wallets, and prayer beads. The municipality made its first expenditure on March 7, 2025, paying 404,250 TL for 105 men's silver sets. On June 13, 2025, 170 men's silver jewelry sets were purchased for 731,000 TL. The municipality also made every effort to purchase men's leather wallets, briefcases, and leather belts. In 2025 alone, 1,461,750 TL was paid for 215 belts, wallets, and bags in three separate tenders.