Journalist Özlem Gürses, speaking on the ‘Para Politika ve Hayat’ program broadcast on Sözcü TV, shared insider information claiming that the AKP has turned its attention to its former colleague Babacan as part of its search for solutions to Turkey’s economic difficulties. According to Gürses, the offer came following a photograph of Babacan standing alongside President Erdoğan at a parliamentary reception, sparking speculation about a potential political realignment.
However, the reported proposal comes with significant conditions. According to the claims, Babacan has demanded not only the position of Treasury and Finance Minister but also control of the Justice Ministry. Sources suggest Babacan justified this unusual dual-ministry request by stating: “If I return, this is how I’ll come back; one is not independent of the other, and you cannot solve one without the other anyway.” Gürses emphasized that this situation indicates a serious search for economic solutions within the ruling coalition.
The Turkish news outlet Kısa Dalga writes that Babacan was one of the founding figures of the AKP and served continuously from 2002 to 2015 in key positions including Foreign Minister, State Minister for Economic Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister. During his tenure, he was credited with overseeing Turkey’s period of economic growth and stability. However, beginning in the second half of the 2010s, he grew distant from the AKP due to differences in management approach and political direction.
On July 8, 2019, Babacan resigned from the Justice and Development Party, citing that “a new vision for Turkey’s future had become inevitable.” Following his departure, he established the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) on March 9, 2020, assuming its leadership with a platform emphasizing democratic governance and economic reform.
The recent speculation about Babacan’s potential return has generated considerable discussion in political circles. Journalist Sedat Bozkurt, speaking on a Kısa Dalga broadcast, had previously argued that the reasons for Babacan’s departure from the AKP remained valid, suggesting the likelihood of his return was zero.
The reported overture to Babacan underscores the AKP’s apparent concern about Turkey’s economic trajectory and suggests a willingness to consider unconventional solutions, even if it means bringing back a figure who left the party over fundamental disagreements about its direction.
Photo: Kısa Dalga