AKP corridors in turmoil: Is it time for Mehmet Şimşek to say goodbye? The name to replace him has even been decided

Critical developments are taking place in economic management within AKP corridors. Nefes newspaper columnist Nuray Babacan shared important insider information regarding these developments in her latest column.

Pointing out that consecutive tax hikes and high interest rates have put the economy in a difficult position, Babacan reported that the criticism focused specifically on Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek has become a serious topic of discussion in the corridors.

BUSINESSES OVERWHELMED BY INTEREST RATES

Babacan also brought up allegations that a business had laid off 25 workers and invested its capital into interest-bearing accounts. She wrote that the move by a business affiliated with the Ankara Chamber of Industry toward interest is an indicator of how difficult a process the business world is going through.

In government corridors, it is stated that high interest rates have put businesses that cannot leave enough profit margin to operate into a major impasse. Comments such as, "No business can operate with a 50 percent profit margin. If interest rates continue like this, there won't be a single soul left to invest," are circulating in the corridors.

MEHMET ŞİMŞEK EXPECTED TO STEP DOWN

Babacan reported that rumors are spreading in the corridors that Şimşek will bid farewell to his post in the autumn and that Cevdet Yılmaz will be appointed in his place. "Şimşek states at every opportunity that he will continue his duty, but in the corridors, a new change is being discussed, especially for the autumn," said Babacan, writing that cliques formed within the AKP are also bringing such allegations to the agenda.

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT POLICIES CRITICIZED

On the other hand, it is stated that Şimşek's statements and strategies aimed at fixing the economy are becoming increasingly difficult. High interest rates and rising taxes are increasing the difficulties for those managing the economy and the pressure from the public.

It is noted that comments such as, "Workplaces are in a very difficult situation, small and medium-sized enterprises are on the verge of bankruptcy," are being made in government corridors. There is particular concern about the last quarter of the year. The continued increase in concordat applications and the bankruptcy announcements of many businesses raise questions about how effective the government's economic policies are.

ŞİMŞEK'S DISCOMFORT WITH THE MEDIA

Babacan also wrote that she heard in the corridors that Şimşek is uncomfortable with the criticism coming from pro-government media and has conveyed this to the President. Allegations that Şimşek said, "I understand the opposition criticizing us, but the stance taken by our own friends during such a period is incomprehensible," are also on the agenda.

Politicians and business people in Ankara are emphasizing the difficulties and closure risks faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. Sharing another piece of important information from the corridors, Babacan said, "It is being discussed that small businesses are facing a major economic crisis, that many firms will declare concordat on a sectoral basis, and that they are in a very difficult economic situation."