Gökhan Altıner writes..."A Paradise of Car Dealerships and Stolen Cars"

From time to time, news reports highlight the proliferation of car dealerships across the TRNC. Frankly speaking, wherever you go, especially in city centers like Nicosia, or on the way to Famagusta, you will see a crowded display of dealerships. There are dozens of dealerships along the main roads, and these are not small establishments. While I don't want to cast aspersions, everyone will agree that the sheer number of dealerships opening is not normal. Many even suggest that money laundering is involved.

As a journalist, I must mention that I often see many newly plated cars when crossing to the south from the Metehan Border Gate. While many new cars may be plated, the concentration of so many dealerships cannot be a coincidence.

Yes, many new cars are sold, but the sales are not as high as one might think. Yesterday, the Parliament discussed stolen cars, and Finance Minister Özdemir Berova stated that the government has seized these vehicles and consulted with their owners, some of whom do not want their cars back. From a straightforward perspective, it is not appropriate for the state to use stolen cars, but on the other hand, if the cars are not claimed by their owners and cannot be sold, what should be done?

Although it is not ideal for the state to use these unwanted cars, they will remain with the state and be used by the government. There is no other solution. Imagine a luxury car is found to be stolen, and the state seizes it, but the former owner does not want it back. You can't just pour gasoline on it and burn it. These cars will be used by the state.

Again, I must say that I personally find it very wrong for state officials to use stolen cars, but I believe there is no other option at this point.

In conclusion, the government, especially the Ministry of Finance, must strictly monitor and control the car dealerships that have sprung up like mushrooms across the country. The Ministry of Finance needs to find an answer to why so many dealerships are opening and implement strict controls. In summary, the Ministry of Finance must inspect the dealerships. Yes, there are new car sales, but the opening of so many dealerships is not acceptable.

It must be investigated whether money laundering is occurring, as claimed. Luxury cars are being sold on social media. You see a car priced at 35,000 STG at dealership X, while a similar car is priced at 30 STG on Facebook. The question of why and how must be asked and seriously investigated.

It is clear that there are significant profits in this business. Imagine buying a car and having it seized when you cross to the south. This is a serious grievance. To prevent this, to protect citizens from being deceived, and to prevent the state from being defrauded, the Ministry of Finance must conduct strict inspections of these mushrooming dealerships.

While we're on the topic of cars, I believe the recently implemented road tax increase should be reviewed and brought within legal limits. A 169% road tax increase is unacceptable. The Ministry of Finance should implement increases according to the legal percentage. The Ministry should not cover the budget deficit on the backs of citizens. I thought I would add this to the end of the article while we're discussing cars. I suggest that Finance Minister Özdemir Berova should address this issue.