Kanal Istanbul ‘Not on our Agenda’, Says Environment Minister
Murat Kurum and Erdoğan
Turkish Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum stated that the controversial Kanal Istanbul project is currently not on the government’s agenda, dismissing renewed public debate as politically motivated and unproductive.
Speaking ahead of the AK Party’s parliamentary group meeting, Kurum responded to resurfacing discussions about the project.
“Kanal Istanbul is not on our current agenda. Attempts to stir political controversy around it will yield no results,” he said.
Housing Sales Not to Foreigners, Says Minister
Minister Kurum also addressed allegations concerning housing sales to foreign nationals in select regions. He firmly denied claims that properties were sold to Arabs or other foreign citizens, emphasizing:
“Not a single unit was sold to foreign nationals. All homes were sold to Turkish citizens who previously did not own property.”
Kurum stressed that all affordable housing projects are exclusively designed to meet the housing needs of Turkish citizens, and that speculative sales are strictly prohibited under the program.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring fair access to housing for domestic citizens, particularly through social housing initiatives aimed at addressing urban housing shortages.
