Concerns in AKP that the fund crisis 'could lose them the election'! 'We cannot handle the cost of this'

Nefes columnist Nuray Babacan wrote that the "fund crisis," which emerged just days before the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) begins its new legislative term, has caused serious discomfort within the AKP. According to Babacan, some figures in the party believe the political impact of the crisis could be greater than expected.

It was reported that senior AKP staff commented: "This is the biggest crisis the party has ever seen. This could lose us the election. Because the amount is very large... You cannot explain this to anyone. There are names associated with the party. We should be the first to request that this issue be investigated in Parliament. We will discuss this with the President..."

"THOSE RESPONSIBLE MUST BE PUNISHED! OTHERWISE, WE CANNOT HANDLE THE COST OF THIS"

Comments within the AKP also included views that those who caused this crisis must be punished, otherwise they would be unable to bear the political cost:

"Citizens are looking at this and saying, 'What have you been doing while we were hungry?' To control this reaction, we must take immediate preemptive action, expand the investigation, and punish those responsible. Otherwise, we cannot handle the cost of this."

In her column, Babacan stated that there are those within the party who compare the crisis to the banking crisis of 2000-2001. The collapse of more than 20 banks during that period and the resulting cost of over 20 billion dollars to the economy had been one of the topics frequently cited during the AKP's rise to power.

An AKP member quoted in the article argued that the issue cannot be viewed merely as a personal investment choice, stating that directing large sums of money into risky areas could create the impression that "certain guarantees were received."

PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY ON THE AGENDA

According to Babacan, there is also concern within the party regarding how the crisis will be perceived by voters. It is assessed that at a time when economic difficulties are deepening, allegations involving names close to the AKP could increase the backlash against the government.

The article stated that for this reason, there are those who believe the investigation should be expanded and steps should be taken against those responsible. It was reported that these same circles believe the political cost could worsen if the government does not adopt a "preemptive" stance on the matter.

How the remaining money in the funds will be paid has also emerged as one of the controversial topics. Babacan wrote that there are those in the economic bureaucracy who object to claims that "accounts up to 1 million liras will be paid first." The basis for these objections is the view that setting such a threshold could give rise to new debates over victimization.

The article also mentioned that different questions are being raised in party corridors regarding who the crisis will reach and the source of the leaks. Babacan conveyed the assessment that the mention of names close to the AKP in structures under the supervision of the Capital Markets Board (SPK) also weakens the corruption allegations the government directs at the opposition.

News Source: 12punto