Highways Directorate defends Antalya hotel meeting expenses as lawful

The Turkish General Directorate of Highways (KGM) has asserted that expenditures related to a recent meeting attended by its senior management at a five-star hotel in Antalya's Belek district were conducted in accordance with the Travel Expenses Law. This statement comes amid allegations that contractors covered the costs of the event.

While the KGM confirmed the compliance of the expenses with the law, it refrained from addressing the specific claims that the costs were borne by contractors who do business with the state. The ministry also did not reveal the total amount spent on the meeting. The statement focused solely on the legality of the expenditures, including those deemed personal, under the relevant legislation.

The lack of transparency regarding the total cost and the source of funding for the contractors' alleged contribution leaves questions unanswered. The KGM's response emphasizes adherence to travel expense regulations but sidesteps the broader issue of potential conflicts of interest or undue influence that such arrangements might imply.