Ankara, April 14 – The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Council has approved the 2025 activity report presented by Mayor Mansur Yavaş. The approval took place during the fifth session of the ABB Council’s April meeting, chaired by Council First Deputy Speaker Ertan Işık, at the Municipal Council Conference Hall.
Mayor Yavaş Highlights Achievements and Vision
In his presentation, Mayor Yavaş emphasized that the purpose of the session was not only to evaluate 2025 but also to elaborate on the services provided in Ankara and the progress made. He stated that the municipality has established a transparent, accountable, and sustainable municipal management model that can serve as an international example.
Yavaş proudly noted that ABB had received the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) award for the third time. He articulated his vision of municipal governance, stating, “Municipalism is not merely about constructing roads or buildings; it is about standing by people, leaving no one behind, offering support in difficult times, and striving for equal opportunities.”
Focus on Social Support and Rural Development
The Mayor highlighted the increase in social support initiatives, stating, “In this period of growing economic hardship, we have diversified our social support programs while upholding human dignity. We have expanded applications that facilitate life for citizens with special needs. Rural development has been elevated from pilot projects to a city-wide policy. We have transformed ABB from a charity provider to a local development actor that organizes production.”
Significant Strides in Urban Management and Transportation
Yavaş further detailed the municipality’s commitment to sustainable urban management through a circular economy approach, emphasizing waste reduction, recycling, and resource efficiency. He proudly mentioned Ankara’s inclusion in the CDP A List for reducing carbon emissions, positioning the city among global leaders in environmental sustainability.
“We aimed to make Ankara not just a growing city, but one with an enhanced quality of life,” Yavaş said. “We have strengthened the vision of a nature-friendly capital by increasing green areas, adding 21 million square meters of green space to Ankara.”
Regarding transportation, Yavaş stated, “We have taken significant steps in transportation. After many years, we have renewed our bus fleet and continue to do so. We have prepared four new metro projects for implementation and laid the foundation for the Dikimevi-NATO Yolu metro line. We have made public transport safer, more accessible, and more attractive.” He also noted the completion of many long-delayed infrastructure projects and the realization of more effective, efficient, citizen-centric, and needs-based investments with similar budgets, thanks to increased competition and transparency.
Preserving Heritage and Building Resilience
Mayor Yavaş also addressed the preservation of Ankara’s cultural and historical heritage, stating, “We have accelerated restoration efforts to protect Ankara’s cultural and historical heritage and revived the city’s memory.” He underscored the municipality’s proactive stance on climate change: “Acting with the awareness that climate change, drought, and disasters are no longer possibilities but concrete realities, we have worked towards a more resilient city. We have increased our fire department capacity and established a modern Disaster Coordination Center.”
He concluded by highlighting financial prudence: “Adopting financial discipline as a fundamental principle, we have sustained our investments despite challenging economic conditions and established a robust financial structure. We have prevented waste by effectively utilizing resources and correctly prioritizing needs.”
Report Discussion and Approval
Following Mayor Yavaş’s presentation, the activity report was discussed by the council members. Subsequently, the reports for ABB, Ankara Water and Sewerage Administration (ASKİ), and EGO General Directorate for 2025 were put to a vote and accepted by a majority. Members of the AK Party, MHP, and BBP voted against the reports.
Council First Deputy Speaker Işık adjourned the session, with the next meeting scheduled for May 7 at 6:00 PM.
Source: https://www.haberturk.com/yerel-haberler/ankara-haberleri/ankara-buyuksehir-belediyesinin-2025-yili-faaliyet-raportu-kabul-edildi-41107242
