The recent hike in property taxes in Turkey sparked widespread public backlash, prompting the ruling AKP to make a swift U-turn. AKP Deputy Chairman and Head of Local Governments Mustafa Demir released a written statement addressing the controversy surrounding inflated land value assessments used to calculate property taxes.
“We Won’t Let Citizens Suffer from Unrealistic Land Value Hikes”
Demir emphasized that the government is fully aware of public concerns and will not allow homeowners to be burdened by unreflective increases in land value rates, which directly affect property tax bills. He assured that adjustments planned for 2026 will be thoroughly reviewed to prevent any unfair taxation.
Erdoğan Personally Following the Process
Highlighting that the issue is being monitored closely under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s directives, Demir said the AKP is committed to ensuring justice and fairness in local governance. “This is not a new topic for us; we’ve been following these developments for a long time. The concerns raised by our citizens are valid, and we take them seriously,” he stated.
AKP Vows to Prevent Unjust Tax Burdens
Demir reiterated that the party’s local government policies prioritize citizen welfare. “Under President Erdoğan’s leadership, we will take all necessary legal and administrative measures to prevent any potential grievances. Our goal is to protect citizens’ rights and maintain a fair system that does not shift the burden of municipal services onto their shoulders,” he added.
A Tax Policy Shift with the Public in Mind
Demir concluded by reaffirming that the AKP’s approach to governance is about supporting citizens, not weighing them down. “In this matter, as in all others, we stand with our people. No one will be left to face unjust property taxes alone,” he said.
This development highlights growing sensitivity to public opinion as Turkey heads into a more economically strained period, with cost-of-living pressures already mounting. The government’s handling of the property tax debate will likely remain a hot topic leading into 2026.
