Ali Babacan criticizes Mehmet Şimşek over fund crisis

DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan shared his assessments regarding the ongoing fund crisis on the "Teke Tek" program hosted by journalist Fatih Altaylı. During the program, while the grievances experienced by investors and potential solutions were being discussed, the conversation also extended to the responsibility of Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek.

In evaluations made based on a scenario where the Capital Markets Board had previously taken action, Altaylı asked Babacan the question, "Should Mehmet Şimşek resign?"

Babacan stated that Şimşek's position within the current system is significant, noting that if there were a name within the AK Party of whom it could be said, "Mehmet Şimşek couldn't do it, but this person would do better," that would be a different situation.

We already understand from his public statements that Mr. Mehmet is trying to intervene in these matters. But what is the problem? Mr. Mehmet's position within the system is very weak. In other words, he does not have the power or the strength to intervene in these matters; he simply does not have that opportunity.

Responding to Altaylı's question, "What would you do if you were in Şimşek's place?", Babacan stated that he would not remain in office under such circumstances.

Babacan said, "If it were me, either these things wouldn't happen, or I would have left long ago," reminding the audience that he was at the helm of the Turkish economy for 11 years. Stating that they fought on many issues during his tenure, Babacan expressed that he would not remain in that position if major problems were ignored and left unaddressed.

Babacan also referred to past practices in the banking sector, arguing that Turkey did not suffer significant damage during the period of the major global crisis.