July 12 Official Gazette: Support for the Disabled, Credit Card Interest Rates, New Appointments

Ankara – The Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, numbered 32954 and dated July 12, 2025, has been published and entered into force. Today's issue features a range of appointment decisions, regulatory amendments, and communiqués that touch upon various aspects of public life. New regulations in social policies, education, transportation, health, and the economy were particularly notable.

Executive and Administrative Section: New Appointments and Critical Regulatory Amendments

The "Executive and Administrative Section" of the Official Gazette details current developments in the country's administration and the important regulations coming into force:

• New Appointment Decisions: Four new appointment decisions made by the Presidency (Decisions: 2025/252, 253, 254, 255) have been published. These appointments indicate assignments or changes in high-level positions within public institutions and organizations. The names and new assignments of the appointees will be shared with the public in the details of the respective decrees.

• Significant Regulatory Updates:

  • Support for Employment of the Disabled and Ex-Convicts: The "Regulation on Amending the Regulation on the Commission Authorized to Use Administrative Fines Collected from Employers Not Employing Disabled Persons and Ex-Convicts" updates the functioning of the commission responsible for utilizing administrative fines imposed on employers who fail to meet their obligation to employ disabled persons and ex-convicts. This amendment may aim to more effectively channel collected funds towards the employment of disabled individuals.

  • Ministry of National Education Project Schools: The "Ministry of National Education Project Schools Regulation" stands out as a comprehensive new regulation governing the establishment, operation, student admission, and administrator appointment processes of "project schools," which hold a special status within the education system. This regulation could bring a new dimension to the pursuit of quality and differentiation in education.

  • Maritime and Regular Voyages: The "Regulation on Amending the Regulation on Regular Voyages by Ships" updates the rules concerning regular ship voyages, aiming to enhance safety, efficiency, and service quality in maritime transportation.

  • Health Initiative from Kırşehir Ahi Evran University: The "Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Athlete Health and Thermal Rehabilitation Application and Research Center Regulation" formalizes the establishment of a new center within the university specializing in athlete health and thermal rehabilitation. This center aims to provide significant health services to both the region and the sports community.

Communiqués Section: Digital Transformation, Health Oversight, and Credit Card Interest Rates

The communiqués section of the Official Gazette contains important regulations that can directly impact daily life and economic processes for citizens:

• Digital Transformation Support: The "Communiqué on Amending the Communiqué on the Implementation Principles of the Digital Transformation Support Program" updates the implementation principles for state support programs aimed at businesses' digital transformation processes. This could particularly enhance the potential for SMEs to strengthen their technological infrastructure and gain competitive advantage.

• Substances Subject to Ministry of Health Special Permit: The "Communiqué on Amending the Communiqué on Import Control of Substances Subject to Special Permit of the Ministry of Health (Product Safety and Inspection: 2025/4) (Product Safety and Inspection: 2025/31)" revises the import control rules for health-sensitive substances requiring special permits. This is of great importance for the protection of public health.

• Regulation on Credit Card Interest Rates: The "Communiqué on Amending the Communiqué on Maximum Interest Rates Applicable to Credit Card Transactions (No: 2020/16) (No: 2025/16)" brings an update to the maximum interest rates directly affecting credit card users. This change is expected to have a direct impact on consumers' financial burdens.

Judiciary and Announcement Sections: Legal Developments and Market Data

• Council of State Decision: The "Judiciary Section" published a decision from the Tenth Chamber of the Council of State. This decision could be an important legal development that may set a precedent in administrative judicial processes.

• Announcements: The "Announcement Section" routinely featured judicial announcements, as well as announcements for auctions, tenders, and bids to be conducted by public institutions and organizations. Furthermore, the daily exchange rates determined by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and the daily values of Government Domestic Debt Securities were also published.

The Official Gazette dated July 12, 2025, continues to serve as an important source of information for all relevant parties by detailing current changes in Turkey's legislation and developments in public administration.