Rumors Put to Rest: Erdoğan Confirms Mehmet Şimşek Will Remain in Cabinet

Amid swirling speculation over his political future and growing internal criticism from pro-government media, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek has received a clear endorsement from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: Şimşek is staying.

The confirmation reportedly came during a recent Cabinet meeting, putting an end to days of rumors that the architect of Turkey’s tight monetary policy might be on his way out. According to veteran columnist  and staunch Erdogan supporter Abdülkadir Selvi, who has close ties to the government, Erdoğan personally assured ministers of his support for Şimşek, saying, “Don’t pressure Mehmet this year. 2026 will be the year of prosperity.”

Abdulkadir Selvi

Cabinet Divided? Erdoğan Draws the Line

The debate over Şimşek’s future had intensified in recent weeks, especially after pro-government outlet Yeni Şafak ran headlines sharply critical of his policies, such as: “Interest Rates Up, Currency Rising, Inflation Soaring,” and “Production Down, Industry at a Standstill.” These articles fueled speculation that internal dissatisfaction with Şimşek’s economic model might be reaching a breaking point.

However, Selvi, writing in his Hürriyet column, took a markedly different tone. Describing Şimşek as a “trusted and consistent reformer,” he emphasized the minister’s long-term commitment to stabilizing the Turkish economy and restoring confidence through a strict anti-inflation program.

‘2026 Will Be the Year of Prosperity’

Selvi reported that he has been asking top government officials a recurring question: When will Turkish citizens—especially low-income groups—start to feel economic relief?

The answer, Selvi says, came directly from Şimşek himself during an interview with Dünya newspaper. In that interview, Şimşek stated:

“We have strong reasons to be optimistic about the coming period. The year 2026 will be marked by increased prosperity, greater economic opportunities, and stronger confidence in the economy.”

Selvi endorsed this projection, writing: “If Şimşek says the hardest part is behind us, then it probably is. If he says the program has proven resilient to internal and external shocks, he’s right. And if he believes 2026 will be a year of prosperity, it’s because he genuinely believes it.”

Erdoğan’s Long-Term Strategy

According to Selvi, Erdoğan understands that no election can be won without stabilizing the economy. That’s why he declared 2024 and 2025 to be years of austerity and inflation-fighting, tightening government spending and resisting populist pressure.

In Cabinet meetings, Erdoğan reportedly urged ministers not to burden Şimşek with additional spending demands, reiterating his belief that the full benefits of the current policy will only materialize by 2026.

Selvi concluded his column by citing unnamed officials who share the President’s view:

“From the second half of this year onward, the Turkish economy will begin to overcome its toughest hurdles. 2026 and 2027 will be remembered as the years when inflation finally eased and prosperity returned.”

Source: Hürriyet, Dünya, Yeni Şafak

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: PA Turkey intends to inform Turkey watchers with diverse views and opinions. Articles in our website may not necessarily represent the view of our editorial board or count as endorsement.

Follow our English language YouTube videos @ REAL TURKEY: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFJB4GFiNkhmpVZQ_d9Rg
And content at Twitter: @AtillaEng
Facebook: Real Turkey Channel: https://www.facebook.com/realturkeychannel/