Erdoğan insists on building Kanal Istanbul, lashes out at mayor for opposing

Duvar English

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that Kanal Istanbul will be built, despite widespread criticism on the project that's expected to create land rent and massive environmental damage, as he also slammed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu for opposing it.

"With this project, we are opening new areas for breathing and life for Istanbul that's already jammed," Erdoğan told members of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Dec. 26, as he referred to İmamoğlu's remarks.

The debate over Kanal Istanbul - Erdoğan’s “crazy project” - has intensified in the last couple of days, although the project has been on the government's agenda since 2011.

Its realization has been delayed several times due to financial problems and environmental concerns.

With the project, the government is aiming at opening an artificial seaway between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea - a move the opposition, mainly the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), strongly objects to over a number of concerns, including the destruction of natural balance, triggering the risk of an earthquake and causing drought.

One of the main arguments of the government in its insistence on building Kanal Istanbul is the busy maritime traffic on the Bosphorus, as well as ship accidents on the strait.

'Either Istanbul or the Kanal'

İmamoğlu, who has been an outspoken figure against the controversial project, branded Kanal Istanbul as a "disaster, betrayal and murder" project on Dec. 25, saying that it will add massive financial burden on citizens and Istanbul Municipality.

He also said that Kanal Istanbul is a violation of Montreux Convention, which "protects Turkey and countries bordering the Black Sea," as well as several other international agreements.

"It's either Istanbul or the Kanal," İmamoğlu said.

The mayor on Dec. 23 announced that the municipality withdrew from a cooperation protocol regarding Kanal Istanbul - a move that was dismissed by Erdoğan.

'You don't have the authority'

"He says 'Kanal Istanbul is unnecessary for Istanbul.' The decision is not up to you, we have the authority to decide on that and we have already decided. You don't have the authority," Erdoğan said on Dec 26.

"The duty of the institutions is to fulfill their part in line with the decisions adopted by the state. Those who neglect it will be held accountable before the people and the judiciary," he also said, while urging the opposition to present an alternative.

During his speech, Erdoğan dismissed all concerns listed by the CHP, as he also said that the AKP won Istanbul elections even though the main opposition won the local elections with a difference of 800,000 votes, citing majority in the municipal council.

The seaway will be 45 kilometers long and will have two ports, one marina, logistics center, seven bridges, two railways and two light rail transits, Erdoğan also said.

Later in the day, Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum spoke at a press conference regarding Kanal Istanbul, where he said that the municipality's involvement in the project is not necessary.

"We don't expect their contribution," Kurum said, while also dismissing all concerns of the opposition.

CHP calls for parliamentary commission to investigate land rent

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Özgür Özel, meanwhile, has urged the formation of a parliamentary commission to look into claims of land rent and determine the changes in land ownership on the route of Kanal Istanbul.