Ataoğlu: We Voice Our Concerns So As Not To Become UBP’s ‘Crutch’

Speaking on Kanal T’s programme Güne Dair, Ataoğlu responded to comments by DP Secretary-General and MP Serhat Akpınar that the Transport Ministry had been “handed over to Turk Telekom through a protocol”, saying: “I wish he had asked before making such a statement.”

Commenting on remarks by Public Works and Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı regarding early elections, Ataoğlu said no date had been discussed. “I mentioned it jokingly at the Council of Ministers the other day, and Erhan Bey made such a statement,” he said.

Addressing relations with UBP, Ataoğlu said they had repeatedly called for expanded group meetings in which DP would also take part when government-related issues were discussed. He stressed that the party had voiced its concerns internally in order not to act merely as UBP’s support partner.

“Our problems and discomfort have largely been addressed,” he said.

On the fibre optic project, Ataoğlu said the government had been open to dialogue, even proposing joint work with opposition MPs on the legislation. “Instead of coming to parliament and criticising each other, we said let’s work on the law together,” he noted.

Ataoğlu added that all issues, including election timing and the abolition of mixed voting, were discussed directly with Arıklı, and that there were no major problems within the coalition.

He said amendments to the Fibre Optic Law could still be considered after it passes through parliament.

Ataoğlu also revealed that he had raised the issue with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, who told him that while the main protocol would be approved, necessary adjustments could be made later. “I trust Cevdet Yılmaz’s word,” Ataoğlu said.

He added that he had sought assurances on whether the Telecommunications Department would suffer losses, whether revenues would fall, and whether internet providers and citizens would face difficulties. “We were told these would not happen,” he said.

“The protocol is in our favour,” Ataoğlu concluded. “Citizens will not be harmed, fees will not rise significantly, and neither telecommunications employees nor internet providers will suffer.”