Unprecedented... A former Deputy Minister receives 8 salaries!

CHP's Cevdet Akay criticized former Deputy Minister of Trade Rıza Turagay for being appointed to the boards of 8 different companies and receiving high salaries after leaving public office. While it is alleged that some of Turagay's appointments were unlawful, the reaction, "Connections established through public power are being turned into rent in the private sector," has intensified.

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Unprecedented... A former Deputy Minister receives 8 salaries!

Rıza Tuna Turagay, who served as Deputy Minister of Trade between 2019 and 2023, experienced a rapid career rise in the private sector after leaving his post.

Turagay, who left public office in February 2023, was appointed as a Board Member of Dünya Katılım Bankası just 9 months later, in November 2023. However, according to the law, it is prohibited for individuals who have left public service to be appointed to private sector positions in similar fields before 3 years have passed.

CHP Karabük Deputy Cevdet Akay claimed that the connections Turagay made during his former role are behind this rapid rise in the private sector. Akay stated, "Leaving the ministry and taking on roles as an executive in companies that you provided loans to or developed relationships with is a clear indication of a conflict of interest."

EXIMBANK AND LOGISTICS COMPANIES ARE THE PROBLEM AREAS

During his time as Deputy Minister, Turagay served as Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Export Credit Bank of Turkey (Eximbank) and as Chairman of the Board of İhracatı Geliştirme A.Ş. in 2021. Now, he holds executive positions in logistics companies such as Horoz Lojistik and Hareket Proje Taşımacılığı. CHP's Akay asked the question, "Were loans provided to these firms from Eximbank?" and demanded clarification for the public.

"THOSE WHO LEAVE THEIR SEATS ARE COLLECTING SEATS"

Pointing to a systematic problem through Turagay's situation, CHP's Akay said: "A person being a board member in eight different institutions can only be explained by favoritism. Names who serve in the public sector can simultaneously be executives in many private companies and receive salaries close to half a million. This is not ethical, nor is it legal."