CHP-run Istanbul succumbs to astronomical hikes

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, currently led by the Republican People's Party (CHP), has faced intense criticism after announcing another steep rise in public transportation fares, marking yet another blow to residents already grappling with soaring costs. On Friday, the city’s governing body unveiled a 10% increase in bus and metro fares, further straining the budgets of citizens who rely heavily on these services to navigate the sprawling metropolis. This decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the administration’s fiscal policies and its handling of essential utilities. The price hikes have sparked widespread concern among locals, particularly given the dramatic increases in service charges over the past seven years. Under the previous administration of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), which governed Istanbul until 2019, the city saw a sharp escalation in the cost of basic services. For example, the unit price of water surged from Turkish Lira (TL) 4 to TL 60, a staggering 1,500% jump. Similarly, the cost of a single full-fare public transportation ticket climbed from TL 2.60 to TL 46.20, reflecting a 1,676% increase. Parking fees also soared, with one-hour rates at municipal lots operated by ISPARK rising from TL 6 to TL 220—a 3,666% spike. These figures underscore a broader pattern of financial mismanagement and unsustainable pricing strategies. The Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI), responsible for providing clean water and managing waste, has been embroiled in controversy due to its growing debt. As of 2019, ISKI carried a domestic debt of TL 350 million, but this figure ballooned to over TL 40.4 billion by 2025. To address its financial strain, the administration has resorted to selling off properties once seized by former mayors for infrastructure projects aimed at safeguarding water sources. At an IBB Council meeting last Monday, Muhammet Kaynar, an AK Party member of the municipal assembly, presented detailed financial reports highlighting the municipality’s fiscal challenges. He outlined the increasing costs of essential services and criticized the current administration’s approach to pricing and resource management. According to Kaynar, ISKI recorded revenues of TL 76.993 billion in 2025, while its expenses reached TL 86.008 billion, resulting in a deficit of TL 10 billion. Land sale revenues, which were TL 8 billion in 2024, jumped by 269% to TL 30.902 billion in 2025, indicating a shift in funding strategies. Residents and local activists have voiced their frustration over the relentless rise in living costs, arguing that such measures disproportionately affect lower-income families. Many point to the lack of transparency and accountability in how public funds are being allocated and managed. With inflation continuing to erode purchasing power, the pressure on the government to provide affordable services has intensified. As the situation unfolds, there is growing anticipation for potential reforms or interventions from oversight bodies. However, the immediate focus remains on the continued impact of these price hikes on daily life in Istanbul. Citizens are left to navigate increasingly unaffordable urban living conditions, raising questions about the sustainability of the current economic model and the long-term viability of municipal services.