Met with AKP deputies: Question of resignation for Mehmet Şimşek

Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek made notable remarks during a meeting he held recently with AKP deputies from the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions.

According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, Şimşek also made assessments regarding the economy during the meeting, specifically drawing attention to the potential impact of the Israel-Iran tension on global energy prices via the Strait of Hormuz. Stating that if the Strait of Hormuz were to close, the Turkish economy would be negatively affected just like the rest of the world, Şimşek made the following statement:

“Approximately 25 percent of the world's oil passes through Hormuz. The closure of the strait would mean prices skyrocketing. Currently, oil prices are at a tolerable level. However, in the face of a possible crisis, we will use all the instruments at our disposal as the economic management.”

Responding to deputies' criticisms regarding loan interest rates, Şimşek pointed to state support for agricultural and export loans and said:

“We cover 70 percent of the interest on farmer loans and 50 percent for exporters. Despite this, there are still complaints. Natural gas used in residences is subsidized. The state is doing its part.”

Stating that claims that the wealthy are not being taxed do not reflect the truth, Şimşek said they are trying to establish a fair system in terms of income distribution.

Touching upon Turkey's fight against terrorism in his speech, Şimşek emphasized that if the process reaches success, more resources could be allocated to prosperity investments:

ANSWERED THE RESIGNATION QUESTION

Speaking about the “he will resign” claims that have recently come to the agenda again, Şimşek expressed that he does not take these rumors seriously with the following words:

“Excuse me, I am laughing. Because since I took office, the same rumors have been constantly produced. There is no such thing. Actually, I don't even feel the need to answer this question, but since you asked; a resignation is out of the question.”

MASAK RESPONSE: “I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE REPORT”

Responding to the criticisms directed by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel regarding the operations against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality based on a MASAK report, Şimşek stated that MASAK is an independent institution and that he was not aware of the report, noting the following:

“Believe me, I have no knowledge of the MASAK report. As a state institution, a report was requested from them, and they did their duty. They didn't even ask me. But Mr. Özgür Özel is harming the country by undermining the economy through me. This is unfair.”