A Turkish opposition deputy has criticized President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for using five planes during his trip to the United States for a NATO summit in July, revealing that the cost of fuel alone amounted to $2.5 million, the Velev news website reported.
Aysu Bankoğlu, a Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy, pointed to the costs incurred during Erdoğan’s visit, which included fuel for a cargo plane that transported the president’s official vehicles to Washington, D.C. Bankoğlu emphasized that the $2.5 million fuel cost was equivalent to 83 million lira and that this was enough to pay a month’s pension to 7,000 retirees.
Bankoğlu pointed out that the cost does not include other expenses such as the accommodation of ministers, aides and journalists accompanying the president in luxury hotels. “This is just the cost of the airplanes, not including all the other extravagant expenses,” she said.
The revelation comes amid ongoing criticism of Erdoğan’s spending habits, particularly in light of Turkey’s economic challenges. Critics argue that the president’s use of state funds for personal comfort is excessive and highlights a growing gap between the government and the financial problems of ordinary citizens.
During the NATO summit Erdoğan’s travel arrangements were particularly conspicuous compared to other heads of state and government. Turhan Çömez, deputy chairman of the İYİ (Good) Party, noted that the leaders of Sweden and Finland, the newest members of NATO, shared a single plane, while Erdoğan traveled with a fleet.
Erdoğan’s spending has been under scrutiny for years. In the past, criticism focused on his fleet of 13 planes and lavish presidential palace, even as Turkey struggled with economic difficulties.
The extravagant nature of the trip has provoked backlash. Critics claim that the president’s luxurious lifestyle is out of touch with the reality of many people in Turkey, especially as the government imposes austerity measures that disproportionately affect low-income citizens.