It had become the government's target: What decisions were made at the TÜSİAD meeting?

The Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) held an extraordinary meeting following the investigation launched into High Advisory Council Chairman Ömer Aras.

The meeting, attended by TÜSİAD's former chairmen, honorary members, and senior executives, addressed the stance to be taken regarding recent developments.

It was learned that the association's management decided to act without severing ties with Ankara, while still standing behind its criticisms.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE TÜSİAD GENERAL ASSEMBLY?

During the presentation at TÜSİAD's ordinary general assembly meeting, a slide titled "Extraordinary events in political life" was shown. This slide highlighted judicial processes targeting politicians, business people, and journalists, using the phrases "being questioned" and "being arrested."

Additionally, the phrase "being expelled from the army" was included regarding the lieutenants dismissed from the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).

TÜSİAD High Advisory Council Chairman Ömer Aras also delivered significant messages at the meeting. Aras criticized the appointment of trustees, the recent increase in investigations and arrests, and the cases against Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. These criticisms caused a new tension between the government and TÜSİAD.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO ÖMER ARAS

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation into Ömer Aras due to his speeches at the TÜSİAD general assembly meeting.

It was stated that the investigation is based on allegations that Aras "attempted to influence a fair trial" and "publicly disseminated false information" through his speeches.

This development caused a major stir within TÜSİAD. The association's management held a high-level meeting to evaluate the process and determine the path forward.

A JOINT STANCE FROM TÜSİAD: FULL SUPPORT FOR ARAS

Following the investigation decision, former TÜSİAD chairmen, YİK members, and business people described as the association's 'wise figures' came together. Important names such as former TÜSİAD chairmen Rahmi Koç, Tuncay Özilhan, Bülent Eczacıbaşı, and Cem Boyner also attended the meeting.

According to Jale Özgentürk from Cumhuriyet, the TÜSİAD management has been conducting comprehensive consultations for two days.

Two different draft statements were prepared regarding the response to be given to the government. While the texts emphasize support for Ömer Aras's speeches and stand behind TÜSİAD's criticisms, the goal is to use balanced language to avoid further straining relations with Ankara.

The TÜSİAD management decided to manage the process without creating a direct crisis with the government, but also without compromising its fundamental principles. The prepared statement is expected to be shared with the public in the coming days.