PROBE INTO PRO-GOVERNMENT MEDIA FIGURES WIDEN
An investigation touching several pro-government media figures is widening, with new detention warrants issued for additional suspects even as one high-profile figure has been released.
Analysis
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GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS 10% TAX ON CORPORATE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
The Finance Ministry has finalized preliminary work to redirect short-term capital inflows toward long-term, productive investments, according to a report by Bloomberg HT.
FRAMEWORK LAW PASSES, ATTENTION SHIFTS TO NEW CONSTITUTION
Following the framework law's acceptance by a high vote of 467 in parliament — legislation expected to end a half-century-long conflict in relation to the Kurdish issue— now eyes are on the next steps the government will take.
TURKUVAZ GROUP BLASTS WATCHDOG AFTER FINE
After the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) imposed an 8 million lira administrative fine on ATV, outlets belonging to pro-government Turkuvaz Media published articles targeting the watchdog.
GOVERNMENT CUTS DIESEL TAXES TO LOWER FUEL PRICES AND COMBAT INFLATION
The Turkish government has temporarily eliminated the special consumption tax on diesel fuel for the remainder of August in an effort to curb inflation. Pump prices fell by more than 13 percent a day after the government’s decision on Aug. 12.
467 VOTES: A DRESS REHEARSAL FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION?
Debate is underway over how the political balance will shift after the “Framework Law,” which establishes the legal basis for the PKK’s disarmament process, passed the 600-seat parliament with a record 467 votes. The overwhelming support for the law is expected to whet the government’s long-standing appetite for a “new constitution.” But is that possible before the general election, now 20 months away if held on schedule?
CRACKDOWN ON PRO-GOVERNMENT SCREEN FACES CONTINUES
After the detention of Cem Küçük, a prominent commentator on TV screens known for leaking information from judicial files, Tahir Sarıkaya, an anchor from the Beyaz TV channel owned by former Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek and his son Osman Gökçek, was arrested for blackmailing and spreading false information.
PROMINENT PRO-GOVERNMENT JOURNALIST DETAINED
In a surprising development, police have detained prominent pro-government journalist Cem Küçük in Istanbul, soon after he parted ways with İhlas Media Group.
HIGHWAY PRIVATIZATION AT A CROSSROADS: ONE BUNDLE OR SEPARATE PACKAGES
The government plans to privatize state-operated highways and bridges under a 25-year transfer of operating rights model, while officials weigh whether to sell the assets as a single bundle or divide them into separate packages.
CYPRUS TALKS: WHAT NEXT?
Based on his experience as the British government’s Cyprus coordinator, Lord David Hannay once said: “No one has ever lost money betting against a Cyprus settlement.”
TURKEY WEIGHS ENDING TEMPORARY PROTECTION FOR SYRIANS IN FAVOR OF EASIER VISAS
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi signaled a new way to accelerate the voluntary return of Syrians from Turkey, saying the government is considering lifting their temporary protection status and easing visa rules instead.
NATIONALIST PARTIES DENOUNCE FRAMEWORK LAW
Turkey's nationalist opposition parties escalated their criticism of the framework law that is expected to regulate the return of PKK members, rebuking the government for showing the draft to jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan before parliament or the public.