Turkish Parliament OKs general budget for 2015

As the Parliament has approved the budget for 2015, which gives the biggest share on education and health, Deputy PM Ali Babacan's comments over the new public buildings mark the budget talks The Turkish Parliament has approved the government's central administration budget for 2015 with 297 votes in favor and 145 against, with the largest share being given to education and health, as Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan's comments on the new Presidential building and other new public buildings marked the budget discussions.

"It brings no good to anyone to create polemics around the buildings and vehicles used by the representatives of the country. The renewed public buildings are the natural outcome of Turkey's high growth," said Babacan.

"The newly-built Presidential and Prime Ministry buildings and air transportation vehicles were allocated to service the authorities, not individuals," he added.

The cost of Turkey's controversial new presidential palace currently stands at 1.37 billion Turkish Liras ($615 million), surpassing earlier estimates, according to fresh data provided by Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek.

Some $432.7 million has been paid for the construction of the "Ak Saray," or "White Palace" in English, while a further $135 million has been allocated for the palace in 2015, Şimşek told Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission on Nov. 4.

The government gives great importance to developing transportation infrastructure, health and educational systems, said Babacan.

He also noted Turkey has continued growing and creating new jobs despite regional security risks and global economic problems.

"We expect the current account deficit to decrease from 7.9 percent of...