Erdoğan Holds Surprise Meeting with Former Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati Amid Speculation Over Cabinet Changes
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A 90-minute meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and former Treasury and Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati at Dolmabahçe Palace has fueled speculation about possible changes in Turkey’s economic leadership.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Nureddin Nebati, who served as Treasury and Finance Minister before Mehmet Şimşek, in a closed-door session at Dolmabahçe Palace. According to OdaTV, the meeting lasted about one and a half hours and reportedly focused on current economic developments.
The discussion comes amid recent rumors that Mehmet Şimşek might resign, with some pro-government commentators suggesting Nebati could return to his former post. The Presidency’s Directorate for Combating Disinformation previously denied these claims, dismissing them as baseless.
A Controversial Figure in Turkish Economic Policy
Nebati, who was in office ahead of the 2023 general and presidential elections, became known for his unwavering defense of Erdoğan’s “Nas” interest-rate policy, which sharply diverged from conventional economic thinking and drew heavy criticism from economists and market participants.
The former minister is also seen as close to Berat Albayrak, Erdoğan’s son-in-law and another former Treasury and Finance Minister. His public remarks — such as describing his “sparkling eyes” as proof of economic optimism — often made headlines.
Political Context and Market Implications
Columnist Abdulkadir Selvi of Hürriyet recently wrote that pressure was mounting within the AKP for Şimşek’s resignation. Erdoğan’s meeting with Nebati, so soon after these comments, has led to renewed speculation in Ankara’s political circles about a potential shift in Turkey’s economic management.
The timing is notable, following reported tensions at the AKP’s recent camp in Kızılcahamam, where Şimşek allegedly rejected demands from ruling party lawmakers, prompting Erdoğan’s direct involvement.
While there has been no official statement on the content of the Dolmabahçe meeting, political observers say even the optics of the encounter may have an impact on markets, which remain sensitive to any signs of changes in economic policy direction.
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