Turkish minister addresses tax benefits for major construction firms amid parliamentary debate

During parliamentary deliberations on a "package bill," opposition figures pressed Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek for details on tax benefits granted to prominent construction conglomerates. Specifically, questions were raised regarding the frequency of tax exemptions, incentives, and reductions provided to Cengiz, Kolin, Kalyon, and Makyol Holdings, as well as their subsidiary companies. In his response, Minister Şimşek asserted that tax obligations, once accrued and due for payment, cannot be waived by any body other than the Grand National Assembly. He stated, "No authority outside of the Grand National Assembly has the power to cancel a tax debt that has accrued and therefore reached the stage of payment, or any tax penalty, or their increases and interest." This exchange underscores ongoing scrutiny of government-business relationships and fiscal policies within the Turkish parliament.

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No authority outside of the Grand National Assembly has the power to cancel a tax debt that has accrued and therefore reached the stage of payment, or any tax penalty, or their increases and interest.