Skip to main content

No love left for Erdogan’s son-in-law

The resignation of the Turkish president's son-in-law Berat Albayrak as finance minster has elated journalists, bureaucrats and academics as well as elites in the ruling party.
Turkish Finance Minister Berat Albayrak (C) casts his ballot at a polling station on June 23, 2019, during the mayoral election re-run in Istanbul, next to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (rear L) and his wife Emine (rear 2nd L). - Istanbul went back to the polls on June 23, 2019 in a re-run of the mayoral election that has become a test of Turkish democracy as well as Turkish President's continued popularity at a time of economic trouble. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP)        (Photo credit should read

When Turkish Minister of Finance Berat Albayrak resigned over Instagram Nov. 8, it took over a day for any official or bureaucrat from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to acknowledge it. Finally, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s communications office announced that Albayrak will be permitted to leave his position. 

Albayrak, who married Erdogan’s oldest daughter in 2004, had been at the post since Turkey switched to the notorious executive presidential system in 2018. He served as energy minister from 2015 to 2018. His Instagram post instantly went viral even as Albayrak’s other social media accounts were shut down. That account is now inaccessible as well. Right after Erdogan announced Albayrak’s release from the post, he appointed Lutfi Elvan in his place. Citing health reasons, Albayrak did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.