Massive discrepancy in figures of those receiving pandemic aid from Turkish gov't
Differing figures indicate that 1.2 million more people received pandemic aid from the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services than initially planned. It was first announced that 3,209,000 people were receiving the aid, only to later reveal the figure to be 4,427,264.
Duvar English
Differing figures indicate that 1.2 million more people received pandemic aid from the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services than initially planned, according to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP).
CHP deputy Murat Emir filed the inquiry to the ministry after it was first announced that 3,209,000 people were receiving the aid, only to later reveal the figure to be 4,427,264.
“Due to the increase in the number of our citizens who are considered to have periodic needs by social aid foundations, there may be a difference in the figures,” Selçuk answered in response.
Emir said that the explanation was insufficient, recalling similar discrepancies with the numbers of those receiving aid as part of a ministry campaign to help victims of the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt.
“The money distributed informally here exceeds 1 billion TL. There may be an increase in the number of citizens in need under the pandemic conditions, but the ministry has to explain the criteria in which the identified families are selected. Did this money to go people who didn't need it but who voted for the [ruling Justice and Development Party] AKP?” Emir said.