Turkey has achieved a world first by enacting legal changes allowing all current and former members of parliament to run red lights, disregard traffic rules, and drive through red lights without stopping. The bill, approved by the Home Office, means that all members of parliament, including 1100 retired MPs, will now be exempt from all traffic regulations and penalties nationwide.
This is a world first. Turkey also has one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in the world, with around 15,000 deaths annually. This exemption for MPs from running red lights and all other traffic penalties is likely to increase these accident rates. It’s also a decision that demeans its own citizens, but there has been no public reaction in Türkiye yet, and there’s no chance of one.
Meanwhile, another interesting event occurred. Responding to criticisms that “Türkiye lacks an Iron Dome,” an AKP member of parliament said the following… ‘Türkiye has an iron dome, and that is our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his leadership. This means that Türkiye doesn’t need any iron dome preparations. Defensive missiles are unnecessary. The presence of Mr. Erdoğan can protect Türkiye against external attacks.
Turkey is a country of comedies. That’s why inflation is around 40%, and it’s stated that 60% of the population is living below the poverty line.’