Liberal Party Spokesperson Engin Avcı Calls for Local Government Reform: “The Neighborhood Headman System Should Be Reassessed”

Liberal Party Spokesperson Engin Avcı made notable remarks regarding the structure of local governments. Describing the abolition of township municipalities in metropolitan provinces as a successful reform, Avcı argued that the institution of neighborhood headmen, particularly in metropolitan areas, should also be reconsidered under current conditions. Emphasizing efficiency in local administration, sustainable public services, and the effective use of public resources, Avcı stated:

“One of the most successful reforms implemented by the AK Party in the field of local government was the abolition of township municipalities in the 30 provinces with metropolitan municipality status.

During that process, I served as the Chairman of the Transfer and Liquidation Commission in the province where I worked. Our examinations revealed that many township municipalities produced little meaningful public service while operating under significant debt burdens.

In terms of efficiency in local government services and the effective use of resources, it may be appropriate to review other small-scale municipalities with weak sustainability and consider transferring their duties and authorities to provincial municipalities or Special Provincial Administrations.

Similarly, the current functions of neighborhood headman offices in metropolitan cities should be reconsidered and abolished. Today, as many public services have moved to digital platforms and municipal services have become more institutionalized, I believe the contribution of headmen’s offices to public administration should be discussed using objective criteria.

Yesterday, mayoral elections were held in six township municipalities, and headman elections were conducted in hundreds of neighborhoods.

However, particularly in metropolitan cities, the overwhelming majority of voters do not know any of the candidates. In neighborhoods with populations reaching tens of thousands, the institution of the neighborhood headman has gradually moved away from its original purpose.

Moreover, the powers and responsibilities of headmen are extremely limited. They do not have the ability to make or implement decisions that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.

For this reason, it would not be surprising if voter turnout in these elections was quite low.

For the effectiveness of our local government system, the function and future of the headman institution, especially in metropolitan cities, should be reassessed.”

Avcı’s remarks have reignited discussions regarding the current structure and future of local government in Türkiye. His comments drew attention to the need for a renewed evaluation of the role, authority, and functionality of neighborhood headmen in light of digitalized public services and changing urban dynamics. Debates over reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and the effective use of public resources in local administration are expected to remain on the agenda in the coming period.