Politics
🪖 Erdoğan Submits Presidential Mandates to Extend Turkish Troop Deployments in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has submitted Presidential mandates to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) seeking to extend Turkey’s military deployment abroad. The mandates propose: three more years for Turkish Armed Forces operations in Syria and Iraq to counter ongoing terrorist threats (PKK/PYD-YPG, ISIS) and protect national security, and two more years for contributions to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), continuing peacekeeping and regional stabilization efforts. The requests cite persistent regional security risks, the importance of Iraq and Syria’s territorial integrity, and Turkey’s role in international coalitions against terrorism. Both mandates will now be reviewed in the TBMM General Assembly.
⚖️ TBMM Forms Subcommittee for HSK Member Selection
The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) has established a 5-member subcommittee to oversee the selection process for a new member of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK). The subcommittee, chaired by AKP’s Serap Yazıcı Özbudun, will review 31 applicants—7 law faculty members and 24 lawyers—ensuring they meet legal requirements. By October 21, the subcommittee will prepare a report for the Joint Committee, which will then shortlist 3 candidates for the General Assembly to elect the HSK member. The subcommittee includes representatives from AKP, CHP, and DEM Party.
💰 2026 Budget Bill Submitted to Turkish Parliament
The 2026 Central Government Budget Bill, announced by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has been submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). The proposal will be reviewed by the Planning and Budget Commission, with discussions set to begin on October 23. Yılmaz will present the budget, followed by a one-week break for commission members to prepare. The budget, final accounts bill, and Court of Accounts reports are expected to be debated for about a month before the bill is forwarded to the General Assembly.
💰 11th Judiciary Package: Prosecutors to Seize Crypto Wallets, Account Renters Face Jail
The 11th Judiciary Package expected in the Turkish Parliament would give prosecutors the authority to seize bank accounts and crypto wallets linked to alleged crimes. Under the draft, anyone who rents out their account—or uses someone else’s—for money laundering purposes could face 1–3 years in prison. Banks and crypto exchanges would also be able to freeze suspicious accounts. Critics, including MLSA’s Batıkan Erkoç, warn that the proposal creates a legal framework for state interference in citizens’ crypto assets, calling it potentially unconstitutional for granting private companies the power to suspend ownership rights.
⚖️Constitutional Court: No Concrete Link Between Tayfun Kahraman’s Actions and the Charges
Turkey’s Constitutional Court ruled that city planner Tayfun Kahraman, sentenced to 18 years in prison for “attempting to overthrow the government” in the Gezi Park case, was subject to a violation of his right to a fair trial. In its reasoning, the Court said there was no concrete link between Kahraman’s social media posts or statements and any acts of violence. It criticized the Court of Cassation for relying on a “password request” message as proof of organizational ties and for using wiretap evidence not included in the trial file, violating the principles of equality of arms and adversarial proceedings.
The Constitutional Court ordered a retrial, emphasizing that its decision did not predetermine the outcome. The ruling passed by a 9–5 majority, with dissenting votes from justices including İrfan Fidan and Metin Kıratlı.
⚖️ Second Wave in Can Holding Probe: 35 Detention Orders, Grand Master of Turkish Masons Among Detainees
Turkish prosecutors launched a second wave of raids in the Can Holding investigation, conducting simultaneous operations across Istanbul, Mersin, İzmir, and Iğdır. Detention warrants were issued for 35 suspects, with 26 taken into custody so far. Among them are Ciner Media Group Chairman Kenan Tekdağ, former Bilgi University rector and Grand Master of the Freemasons in Turkey Prof. Dr. Remzi Sanver, and Betül and Zühal Can, spouses of the Can family members who own the conglomerate. Investigators claim that 121 seized companies under Can Holding moved ₺88 billion in untraceable funds between 2020 and 2021 through fake invoices, tax evasion, and money laundering schemes.
🕵️♂️ Arrest Warrant Allegedly Issued for Cüneyd Zapsu in Can Holding Probe
Journalist Barış Terkoğlu claimed on Onlar TV that Cüneyd Zapsu, one of the founders of Turkey’s ruling AKP, was subject to an arrest warrant while abroad as part of the Can Holding investigation, but that his status was later changed from “suspect” to “witness” after “certain interventions.” The investigation previously led to the detention of Can Holding executives and the appointment of trustees to 121 companies, including major media outlets and universities. The alleged involvement of Zapsu — a figure long close to the government — has sparked speculation about political ties behind the expanding probe.
💥 Sezgin Baran Korkmaz: “Things Have Gotten Messy”
Sezgin Baran Korkmaz, one of seven suspects facing arrest warrants for organized crime, usury, and money laundering, said he will reveal details of the investigation tomorrow. While five suspects, including Cihan Ekşioğlu, have been detained, Korkmaz remains at large. On social media, he warned followers not to be manipulated by the media and wrote, “The line between the innocent and the guilty has been blurred,” signaling confusion and intrigue around the ongoing probe.
🔁 Claim: CHP’s Afyon Mayor Burcu Köksal to Join AKP?
Afyon Mayor Burcu Köksal is rumored to be leaving the main opposition CHP to join the ruling AKP. The claim was first published by Akit newspaper and later echoed by pro-AKP journalist Sinan Burhan. Journalist İsmail Saymaz said he attempted to reach Köksal and her husband but received no response. Köksal had previously dismissed similar claims, stating: “I am a Kemalist and a devoted member of the Republican People’s Party.”
🛵⚠️ Journalist Şule Aydın: Warning Received About Planned Attack on Me and Murat Ağırel
Journalist Şule Aydın announced that she and fellow journalist Murat Ağırel received a tip about a planned motorcycle attack, including details of the location and perpetrators. Speaking on Onlar TV, Aydın stated that they filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors and emphasized that they have entrusted authorities with their safety. She also noted that the tip included claims that the attackers had already been “apprehended,” highlighting the seriousness and specificity of the threat.
🕵️♂️ Police Assign Two Inspectors to Investigate Journalist Hakan Tosun’s Killing
Following the murder of journalist Hakan Tosun, who was attacked in Istanbul’s Esenyurt district, the Turkish National Police announced that two chief inspectors have been assigned to investigate the incident in detail. The statement said, “All aspects of the attack will be thoroughly examined.” Tosun’s death has reignited debates on press freedom and the safety of journalists in Turkey.
🗳️ Fikri Sağlar Predicts Snap Election: January Decision, March Vote
Former CHP MP Fikri Sağlar claimed that the government is preparing for a snap election, suggesting that the decision could come in January 2026, with the election itself held in March 2026. Speaking to TELE1, Sağlar highlighted rising political tensions in Parliament and said that a sudden election might resolve the uncertainty, allowing parties, including CHP, to organize their campaigns both domestically and abroad.
📉 Opposition Weakness Hurts Ruling Party
The latest AK Parti internal poll shows that the opposition’s inability to generate projects, particularly by CHP, is negatively affecting the ruling party by reducing political competition and creating a “comfort zone” for the government. The survey also revealed that women voters are crucial for both AK Parti and CHP, while MHP and DEM Parti rely more on male voters. Despite AK Parti’s long-standing dominance, CHP continues to influence the political agenda. Among potential CHP leaders, Özgür Özel and Ekrem İmamoğlu were identified as the most preferred figures by voters.
Economy
“Interbank Scam Hub” — Alleged ₺100 Million Fraud at Turkey’s Card Clearing Center
According to journalist İsmail Saymaz, Istanbul prosecutors have launched a major fraud and embezzlement probe into the Interbank Card Center (BKM), majority-owned by the Central Bank of Turkey. Investigators claim procurement rules were bypassed in two major contracts — for “chip card production” and “TROY payment software” — causing public losses exceeding ₺100 million. Former Central Bank Deputy Governor Emrah Şener, former BKM CEO Baran Aytaş, and Deputy CEO Bora Koç are among eight people arrested. Şener allegedly steered contracts to a favored company, transferred funds to his brother and an offshore shell firm, and used corporate resources for personal benefit.
🤝 Turkey Seeks Defense Cooperation with Germany
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to meet with German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul during his visit to Ankara, with discussions focused on Turkey’s participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. The SAFE mechanism aims to support EU defense industry investments and joint procurement projects with a €150 billion budget. Turkey formally applied to the European Commission in June 2025 and continues diplomatic talks with EU member states, exploring opportunities for collaboration in defense projects. While the UK, Canada, and South Korea are also negotiating bilateral agreements under SAFE, Greece opposes Turkey’s participation, citing regional security concerns and geopolitical tensions in the Aegean. Turkey emphasizes its role as a capable contributor to EU defense efforts and continues to engage diplomatically.
📶 Turkey’s 5G Auction Raises $3.53 Billion
Newsletter Summary: Turkey held its 5G frequency auction in Ankara, with Turkcell, Türk Telekom, and Vodafone securing spectrum licenses totaling $3.534 billion (including VAT). Turkcell acquired the largest share, followed by Türk Telekom and Vodafone. The auction covers 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands and will enable nationwide 5G rollout from April 1, 2026. Officials highlighted that the 5G infrastructure was developed with domestic technology, promising faster speeds, low latency, and support for millions of connected devices, marking a major step in Turkey’s digital transformation.
Italy Eyes Deeper Agri-Food Ties as Trade Nears $40B
Newsletter Summary: The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIIST) aims to strengthen high-value partnerships with Turkey, focusing on agriculture and food sectors as bilateral trade approaches $40 billion. CCIIST Chairman Stefano Kaslowski emphasized expanding Italian food diplomacy in Turkey, boosting the visibility of Italian restaurants, and leveraging Turkey’s growing role in digitalization. Trade between the two countries reached $33 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $35 billion by the end of 2025, highlighting strong potential for further economic collaboration.
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