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AKP Businessman Who Called Himself 'Staunch Erdoğan Supporter' Deletes Photos After Governor's Arrest

AKP Businessman Who Called Himself 'Staunch Erdoğan Supporter' Deletes Photos After Governor's Arrest

From Cumhuriyet · (7m ago) Turkish Critical tone

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Businessman Veysel Demirci, who previously declared strong support for President Erdoğan, has deleted social media photos of himself with former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel after Sonel's arrest.
  • Demirci had previously praised Sonel, calling him a statesman, but has now removed these posts.
  • Demirci had previously denied allegations of providing his private jet to Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, stating he was a staunch supporter of Erdoğan.

The recent actions of businessman Veysel Demirci, a figure known for his public declarations of loyalty to President Erdoğan, raise questions about political maneuvering and the shifting sands of public support. Demirci, who had previously lauded former Tunceli Governor Tuncay Sonel, has now swiftly removed all traces of their association from social media following Sonel's arrest.

Mr. Tuncay Sonel, who has earned a place in hearts in many provinces of our country wherever he went with his statesmanship, visited me at Meyra Palace.

— Veysel DemirciDemirci's previous praise for Tuncay Sonel on social media.

This 'u-turn' is particularly noteworthy given Demirci's past public statements. He had not only praised Sonel's statesmanship but also vehemently denied accusations of providing his private jet to opposition figure Ekrem İmamoğlu, emphasizing his 'staunch Erdoğan supporter' stance. The rapid deletion of photos with Sonel suggests a calculated effort to distance himself from a figure now embroiled in legal trouble, perhaps to protect his own political and business interests.

I have never seen İmamoğlu in my life. I did not allocate a plane to him. I did not rent it to the CHP. I am a staunch supporter of the Reis, everyone knows me.

— Veysel DemirciDemirci's denial of providing his jet to Ekrem İmamoğlu.

In Turkey's highly charged political climate, such actions are often interpreted as a pragmatic response to evolving circumstances. While Demirci's supporters might see this as a wise move to avoid negative association, critics may view it as opportunistic and lacking in genuine conviction. The episode highlights the complex interplay between political allegiance, personal reputation, and the pursuit of business success in the current political landscape.

Societies whose morals are not corrupted cannot be destroyed by anyone.

— Veysel DemirciA slogan posted by Demirci on his social media.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.