Health workers are successful, government is not, says main opposition leader

Photo: AA

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Amid new restrictions to fight a second wave of Covid-19, the main opposition leader on Monday criticized the government's handling of the outbreak.

"Don't take credit for the success of doctors and healthcare workers," Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the chair of Republican People's Party (CHP), told lawmakers during the 2021 budget debate in parliament, adding that they toil "24 hours a day."

He also criticized the government for underreporting Covid-19 cases and deaths, saying that "The state shouldn't lie to its citizens."

He noted that the Ministry of Health began to announce the number of asymptomatic cases after criticism by the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) that the figures were not accurate.

Kılıçdaroğlu said that instead of fighting the virus, the government has been fighting city governments led by his party.

The Ministry of Interior previously blocked donation campaigns by the CHP-led İstanbul and Ankara municipalities.

The government last week implemented new coronavirus restrictions, including a curfew on weeknights and full weekend curfews.

Some sectors, including production, supply, health and agriculture, are exempt.

The announcement came after a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in Turkey. (EKN/VK)