Türkiye’s former deputy prime minister in charge of the economy, Mehmet Simsek, said on Monday that he is not interested in active politics, while the AK Party said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had not offered him a post when they met.
Sources told Reuters last week that Erdogan wanted to give a top role in running the economy to Simsek, who is highly regarded in international circles, and that the party’s draft election manifesto marked a return to more orthodox, free-market economic policies.
He is not interested in active politics
After meeting Erdogan on Monday, Simsek said he was ready to provide the necessary support in his area. “But due to my work at foreign financial institutions, I am not thinking of going into active politics,” he wrote on Twitter.
AK Party spokesperson Omer Celik said Erdogan and Simsek discussed recent developments and policies. “If he preferred active politics, all the mechanisms, and duties of our party would be open to Mr. Mehmet,” Celik told reporters.
Ancak yurtdışında finans kuruluşlarındaki işlerim nedeni ile aktif siyasete girmeyi düşünmüyorum.
Kamuoyuna saygı ile duyurulur. 2/2
— Mehmet Simsek (@memetsimsek) March 20, 2023
No offer to Simsek
Erdogan, who is the presidential candidate of the People’s Alliance, did not make an offer to Simsek regarding a ministry, vice presidency, or chief adviser position on Monday, Celik said.
Türkiye is due to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on May 14.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the main opposition CHP chairman and the presidential candidate of the Nation Alliance, will challenge Erdogan in the upcoming elections.
