Turkish government furious over top business body’s critical remarks—here’s why

Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD), Türkiye‘s leading business organization, harshly criticized the Turkish government on Feb. 13 during the General Assembly meeting in Istanbul over many critical issues in the Turkish political scene.

Top Turkish government officials reacted to TUSIAD’s statement, calling it an unjust involvement in politics.

The head of the association, Orhan Turan, touched upon Gezi investigations, probe against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, femicide cases, and the arrested mayors in Türkiye and said, ”We can not build a future without trust in law in Türkiye.” Turan called for the return of ‘rule of law.’

Turkish government’s perspective

From the government’s perspective, TUSIAD is an organization that sided with Türkiye’s past putschist generals against multiple civilian governments, seeking undue influence over elected governments in Türkiye’s young democratic history.

Given TUSIAD’s history, the Turkish government has often clashed with the organization, albeit often behind the scenes, as it represents old Türkiye and undemocratic practices.

Turkish government officials highlighted that “Türkiye is no longer old Türkiye” reflecting the government’s trust issues with the influential association.

Even staunchly anti-government columnists were surprised by Orhan Turan’s statement. Turkish daily Sozcu’s columnist Erdal Saglam penned an article in which he stated, “The collapsing system even made TUSIAD talk. The business world will enter into a new process where they voice their criticism more often.”

TUSIAD was founded in 1971 and represents over 4,500 large industrial companies.

Despite many swift statements from Turkish government officials, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has yet to address the issue with TUSIAD. Erdogan, who rarely confronts TUSIAD except for election processes, is expected to do so.

TUSIAD head Turan said, “Investigations into critical statements and journalistic activities have become increasingly frequent. New investigations are being launched into events from 10 years ago. The number of detained parliamentarians and political party leaders continues to grow. Dismissal decisions are being made against lieutenants on charges of indiscipline.”

Despite all the criticism, the TUSIAD head highlighted that they support Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek’s economy program. However, he emphasized that despite their support, ‘everything is not going well in terms of the economy.’

TUSIAD head continued, “As all citizens are equal before the law, the state is also bound by the law. Governance at all levels should be based on legal rules, not arbitrary decisions. If trust in the law collapses, insecurity, instability, and uncertainty spread everywhere.”

Turkish government officials furious over the statement

Justice Minister Tunc stated, “The Republic of Türkiye is a state governed by the rule of law. No institution, organization, or interest group is above the national will. One of the fundamental pillars of our democratic system is the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. Everyone must clearly understand that we do not accept any pressure on judicial processes and strongly oppose any attempt to influence the judiciary.”

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Spokesperson Omer Celik also criticized TUSIAD, stating on X, “Civil society organizations expressing views on national issues is their natural right. However, evaluating national issues and attempting to shape politics or direct the judiciary are separate matters.”

Celik urged TUSIAD to confront its history of “supporting military and judicial tutelage,” accusing it of undermining democratic governance.