Police, Tax, and Press Regulations Changes Pass Turkish Parliament

Turkey's Grand National Assembly has approved a new legislative package that introduces significant changes to laws governing the police force, taxation, and the press. The bill, passed during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Celal Adan, aims to enhance efficiency and address specific sector needs.

Within the security sector, the law restructures the ranks and appointment quotas within the Police Force. These adjustments are designed to increase management capacity and expedite decision-making processes. Additionally, the legislation provides a new pathway for individuals dismissed from police educational institutions due to health reasons; they can reapply for positions within six months of the law's enactment if they were previously appointed as police officers or superiors and later removed from civil service for health issues.

The new regulations also impact the press, particularly online news outlets. The law brings internet news sites under the purview of the Press Advertisement Agency, defining their qualifications and duties. Criteria such as the number of articles published, content, staffing, readership, and minimum publication duration will be set by the Agency's General Assembly. Failure to comply with these rules could result in sanctions, including temporary suspension of official advertisements and announcements.

Furthermore, the law includes provisions for tax incentives and operational adjustments. It allows for the establishment of state-owned elderly and disabled care centers within forest areas. For taxi drivers, those who document their revenue using electronic taxi meters instead of other systems can opt for taxation based on declared earnings. Gains from the sale of commercial vehicle plates (taxis, minibuses) acquired before the law's effective date will be exempt from income tax.