18.02.2025 17:40
Following the initiation of an investigation against the Chairman of the High Advisory Council, Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, due to his remarks at the general assembly, TÜSİAD issued a statement. The statement emphasized that the criticisms should be viewed as a richness of democratic culture.
The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TÜSİAD) issued a statement following the initiation of an investigation against the Chairman of the High Advisory Council (YİK), Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras.
"WE SHARE THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT WITH TRANSPARENCY FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY"
In the written statement, it was noted that "for the development of Turkey and the benefit of the entire society, the findings and recommendations believed to be correct are shared transparently within the framework of respect for democratic institutions and rules and the principle of participatory democracy."
"WE ARE BRINGING ISSUES THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROSPERITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COUNTRY TO OUR AGENDA"
In the continuation of the statement made by TÜSİAD, the following expressions were included: "As TÜSİAD, which represents the voluntary unity of business people and industrialists who work, produce, and provide employment for our country; we are bringing issues that will contribute to the prosperity and development of our country to our agenda in an independent and impartial manner. We contribute to increasing Turkey's competitiveness in the world; we work in line with our country's high interests with our representation power in the international business world.
"CRITICISMS SHOULD BE SEEN AS A RICHNESS OF DEMOCRATIC CULTURE"
Every issue raised, including the criticisms directed at our association in the public eye, should be seen as a richness of the culture of discussion and democracy in Turkey. Economic development can only be made permanent with a rule of law that adopts human rights-based, participatory democracy principles. It is our responsibility to contribute to our common goals that will advance our country with our knowledge, experience, and recommendations."
WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
Speaking at the TÜSİAD General Assembly, TÜSİAD High Advisory Council Chairman Ömer Aras said, "Elected mayors are being removed from office, and trustees are being appointed in their place. An investigation is initiated against a political party leader, and then they are arrested for a different reason." Regarding the cases against Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Aras stated, "Investigations are opened just minutes after a press conference due to the statements made by a metropolitan mayor."
After criticizing the lack of adequate oversight regarding the February 6 earthquakes and the Kartalkaya fire, and the "system malfunction," Aras stated, "The system should have a self-correcting mechanism. Those responsible should resign, be held accountable, and competent individuals should take their places."
AN INVESTIGATION HAD BEEN INITIATED
Following these statements, an investigation was initiated against TÜSİAD YİK Chairman Ömer Aras for "attempting to influence fair trial" and "publicly disseminating false information."