Plan to sell Turkcell shares on Parliament's agenda: CHP submits parliamentary question

Claims that the Turkey Wealth Fund (TVF) will sell its 26.2 percent stake in Turkcell have been brought to the Parliament's agenda. CHP Karabük Deputy Cevdet Akay has submitted parliamentary questions for two ministers to answer regarding the sale in question and has also filed an information request with the TVF.

CLAIMS REGARDING SHARE SALE BACK ON THE AGENDA

According to a report by the Cumhuriyet newspaper, the TVF's plan to sell its shares in Turkcell had also come to the agenda in July 2024. However, no concrete developments occurred during that period. As claims regarding a sale have recently resurfaced, CHP's Akay brought the issue to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), demanding an official statement from the TVF as well as the two ministers.

Akay stated that these claims have caused serious public concern, emphasizing that Turkcell is not merely a commercial company but a strategic institution that plays a critical role in Turkey's digital infrastructure. Noting that the company generated approximately 241 billion lira in revenue and reported an operating profit of 17.8 billion lira according to its 2025 financial results, he pointed out that putting such a strong company up for sale could pose risks in terms of national security and digital sovereignty.

REFERENCE MADE TO PRIVATIZATION EXPERIENCE

Cevdet Akay recalled the negative experiences during the Türk Telekom privatization process in the past, drawing attention to the importance of transparency and accountability in the sale of strategic public assets. "If a sale is to be made, the justification for this must be clearly explained," he said.

ANSWERS AWAITED REGARDING SALE QUESTIONS

CHP's Akay directed the following questions to the TVF:

Is there any work underway regarding the sale of the shares held by the TVF in Turkcell?

Are there any official or unofficial meetings held with domestic or foreign investors regarding the sale of Turkcell shares?

If there is a sale plan, what is the justification for it?

Have the risks that the sale of a strategic company like Turkcell could create in terms of national security and digital sovereignty been evaluated?

What is the expected revenue to be generated if the TVF sells its shares in Turkcell?

What measures are being taken to prevent financial and structural problems like those seen in the Türk Telekom privatization?

Will decisions regarding this sale be carried out in a manner open to the oversight of the TBMM and the knowledge of the public?

APPLICATION MADE UNDER THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION

CHP's Akay also made a written application to TVF General Manager Salim Arda Ermut within the framework of the Right to Information Law, reiterating the questions above. Akay requested an official statement to learn whether the sale of the shares belonging to the TVF is on the agenda and to obtain details regarding the sale. 

News Source: 12punto