Did Mehmet Şimşek give an ‘order to raise interest rates’? Statement from the TBB

Tv100.com columnist Barış Yarkadaş claimed that Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek met with the Banks Association of Turkey (TBB) Board of Directors for an iftar dinner costing 4345 TL per person at a luxury restaurant.

Furthermore, Yarkadaş alleged that Şimşek told the bank general managers at the dinner to 'Set interest rates at 62.5 percent.'

TBB RESPONDS TO YARKADAŞ'S ALLEGATIONS

Following Yarkadaş's claims, which became a major topic of discussion, a statement was issued by the TBB.

The statement from the TBB noted that Treasury and Finance Minister Şimşek and the Banks Association of Turkey Board of Directors met for a modest iftar dinner on March 12.

The statement, which noted that the iftar dinner was held at the Ziraat Bank General Directorate in the Istanbul Financial Center, included the following remarks:

"During the meeting, evaluations were made regarding current developments in the economy and the banking sector. Mr. Barış Yarkadaş's claim that this dinner was held at a luxury restaurant is a deliberate and malicious distortion. The claim that the Minister gave an 'order to raise interest rates' to the bankers attending the iftar is also absolutely untrue. All matters mentioned in the report are slander. It is expected from all relevant parties to show the necessary sensitivity to ensure that the name of the Banks Association of Turkey is not used as a tool for politics. Presented for public information."

News Source: AA