See how Mehmet Şimşek, who went to London, answered the 'early election' question

Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek held numerous meetings with investors in London, answering questions from fund managers and bankers.

Sözcü columnist Erdal Sağlam shared details regarding the meeting Şimşek attended.

Sağlam stated that Şimşek used the following expressions regarding early elections and assessed that, "In summary, we can say that Şimşek, while also considering domestic balances, told the foreigners what they wanted to hear":

"[Mehmet] Şimşek said that regarding domestic risk, 'if an early election or referendum is meant,' the risk in these is very low. Stating that they neither have the political majority required for a constitutional amendment nor a need for one, he said, 'Elections are planned for 2028; I see no reason for them to be earlier. The ruling party enjoys strong support; there is no political reason to consider pulling the plug early.'"

The relevant section from Sözcü columnist Erdal Sağlam's article titled 'Minister Şimşek told them what they wanted to hear in London' is as follows:

Minister Mehmet Şimşek held numerous meetings with investors in London, answering questions from fund managers and bankers. When Minister Şimşek, who made comments regarding risks such as wars, regional tensions, and Trump's policies, was reminded by participants that "all the risks he mentioned were external risks and he did not speak about domestic risks," he gave the following response: "Regarding domestic risks, people generally see the risk of the longevity and sustainability of the current program. I know there are concerns about political support for the program, but I can say that political support is stronger than I expected. I am very grateful. There may be different perspectives, but the program has strong support from the President and political circles."

We do not know if Şimşek said these things because he believes them or to reassure foreigners, but it is stated that this rhetoric is convincing. A banker who attended the meetings said that trust in Şimşek has increased abroad because he convinced the President to keep New Year's raises low, and that no one asks the question "Will the Minister be dismissed?" anymore.

ELECTIONS ARE IN 2028

Şimşek said that if an early election or referendum is meant regarding domestic risk, the risk in these is very low. Stating that they neither have the political majority required for a constitutional amendment nor a need for one, he said, "Elections are planned for 2028; I see no reason for them to be earlier. The ruling party enjoys strong support; there is no political reason to consider pulling the plug early."

Minister Şimşek noted that regarding inflation dynamics, he personally thinks that services are what remain sticky, and that income policy is important in rent and services. Şimşek said, "I know that inflation expectations in administered prices are driven by social media and headlines. What is written on social media about items that do not make up 1 percent of the basket is very different from reality. I may need to communicate better. However, I try to talk less and do more work. Society is quite polarized and they do not listen to what we say. I do not spend time on social media."

Upon being asked about relations with Israel, Şimşek reminded that Turkey was one of the first countries to recognize Israel and hosted Jews fleeing the Inquisition, but that in contrast, they have a strong position against the current humanitarian tragedy, and that peaceful solutions must be found to existing problems for Israel to be safe and secure. Reminding that we have good commercial relations with Israel, Şimşek said that issues such as humanitarian aid and trade would normalize if there is peace.

In summary, we can say that Şimşek, while also considering domestic balances, told the foreigners what they wanted to hear.