Headline:
Turkish Finance Minister Şimşek Denies Corruption Allegations, Calls Claims a "Reputation Assassination"
Subheadline:
Şimşek Addresses Social Media "Smear Campaign" Over London Property and Photos with "Tender King"
#TurkeyEconomy | #Transparency | #CorruptionAllegations
Ankara — Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek has publicly refuted allegations circulating on social media that link him to controversial business dealings and a luxury property in London. In a detailed statement released on [insert date], Şimşek described the claims as a "coordinated reputation assassination attempt" targeting both himself and the government’s economic program.
The allegations center on photos of Şimşek with a businessman dubbed the "tender king," taken during his time out of office (July 2018–May 2023) in London and Batman, as well as a 163-square-meter London property purchased through a company jointly established with Abdurrahman Reşitoğlu in August 2021. Şimşek emphasized that the property was legally declared in his asset disclosure upon returning to office in June 2023 and stressed that the company had "no commercial activities or assets beyond the residential purchase."
"These baseless allegations, crafted from a few photos and a transparently declared property, aim to undermine my credibility and the success of our economic policies," Şimşek stated. "The narrative suggesting I interfered with tenders is entirely false. I have no partnership with the individual falsely labeled the 'tender king.'"
The minister accused unnamed actors of exploiting "news-style scenarios" to damage his reputation, vowing to pursue "all legal avenues" to hold those responsible accountable. He reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability, core principles of his tenure.
Key Points from Şimşek’s Statement:
No Ties to "Tender King": Denied any commercial relationship with the businessman, clarifying that photos were taken during his private-sector period.
London Property Disclosure: Confirmed the residence was declared in his 2023 asset declaration, with the joint company solely for the purchase.
Legal Action Threatened: Warned of lawsuits against parties spreading "fabricated claims."
Context:
The allegations emerge amid heightened scrutiny of Turkey’s economic policies, with Şimşek spearheading austerity measures to stabilize the lira and curb inflation. Critics argue the controversy risks diverting attention from ongoing reforms.
Reaction:
While opposition figures demand further investigation, pro-government outlets have rallied behind Şimşek, framing the claims as politically motivated. The Finance Ministry has yet to announce additional steps beyond his statement.
