Recep Tayyip Erdogan, photo: Depo Photos/ABACA / Abaca Press
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has harshly criticised the country’s leading business association TUSIAD, accusing it of trying to influence politics and undermine the government. This was reported by Reuters .
Speaking to members of his AKP party, Erdogan said that TUSIAD was a relic of an era of privilege and ill-gotten gains, and a symbol of weak governments of the past:
“They used to dictate policy through headlines in the media. We have put an end to this and no longer recognise any authority above the will of the people.”
Investigation into the leadership of TUSIAD
Turkish prosecutors have opened an investigation against the association’s chairman, Orhan Turhan, and executive director, Omer Aras, over their statements about the state of democracy in the country.
Aras, who also heads QNB Bank’s Turkish subsidiary, has previously criticised the political persecution of opposition figures and journalists, saying it undermines public confidence. The authorities responded by opening a case for “spreading false information” and “attempting to influence the judicial process”.
TUSIAD’s economic impact and response
TUSIAD is an influential organisation whose members account for 85% of Turkey’s exports and 80% of corporate tax revenues.
In its official statement, the association stressed that it was defending the interests of the nation, but has not yet commented on the investigation and Erdogan’s accusations.
Opponents talk about “pressure on business”
Turkey’s opposition parties see this situation as another step to suppress critical voices ahead of the upcoming elections. Erdogan himself denies any political pressure, stressing the independence of the judiciary.
