Turkish opposition party vows to block Canal Istanbul project

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - A prominent Turkish opposition leader on Wednesday vowed to block Canal Istanbul, a government mega-project championed by the nation’s president.

Speaking to her Good (IYI) Party parliamentary group, Meral Aksener claimed that people living in Istanbul are opposed to the project, which would connect the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, providing an alternative to the crowded Bosphorus Strait.

"We will not allow them to build that freak canal, also will not allow them to leave the Sea of Marmara to death," Aksener said.

Aksener called the project a betrayal of the people of Istanbul.

"This project fails to respect the sacred will of our nation. This is not a project but a heist scheme," she said.

Aksener also warned domestic and foreign contractors against getting involved in the project.

"The wheels are turning. In the next election, this government is going away,” she said.

“I warn you in advance: When that blessed day comes, when our nation gives (us) the authority, you won’t get a penny."

The construction of Canal Istanbul, with a daily passage capacity of 185 vessels, is expected to start soon and be completed in 2025-2026.

The planned 45-kilometer (28-mile) canal is set to be built west of the city center on the European side of the Istanbul province.

The mega-project, which aims to prevent risks posed by vessels carrying dangerous shipments through the Bosphorus Strait, was approved by the country's Environment and Urbanization Ministry.