Ex-ministers Mumcu and Tayyar clash fiercely on social media over 2007 election claims

A fierce online battle has erupted between former ministers Erkan Mumcu and Şamil Tayyar, both associated with the ruling AKP party, trading sharp accusations on social media.

“

How sad that Mumcu, who at that time cooperated with military tutelage and obstructed the AKP's presidential election, is now gaining sympathy solely out of antipathy towards Gül and Arınç. It's unbelievable. I hope he doesn't call Bahçeli a FETÖ member too.

The public spat ignited when Tayyar accused Mumcu of hindering the 2007 presidential election by allegedly colluding with "military tutelage" to prevent the election of AKP candidate Abdullah Gül. Tayyar expressed dismay that Mumcu's recent claims about Gül and Bülent Arınç allegedly conspiring against Erdoğan with FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization) were gaining traction within some AKP circles.

"How sad that Mumcu, who at that time cooperated with military tutelage and obstructed the AKP's presidential election, is now gaining sympathy solely out of antipathy towards Gül and Arınç," Tayyar posted. "It's unbelievable. I hope he doesn't call Bahçeli a FETÖ member too."

“

Mr. Şamil! You can't just throw things around from afar and run away. I stand behind every word and decision I make. I am not a weather vane like you and those you try to please. On whichever channel you wish, let's have a live broadcast where you say what you know (and what you say without knowing), and I will show the truth with documents and witnesses.

Mumcu responded aggressively, challenging Tayyar to a live debate. "Mr. Şamil! You can't just throw things around from afar and run away. I stand behind every word and decision I make. I am not a weather vane like you and those you try to please," Mumcu wrote. "On whichever channel you wish, let's have a live broadcast where you say what you know (and what you say without knowing), and I will show the truth with documents and witnesses. The truths that have been buried layer by layer since 2004 will not be convenient for those you try to please, but at least we will expose you and the other trumpeters like you. Are you in?"

“

I only recounted what I witnessed during that period without using insulting or demeaning language. My humble advice is to stay away from the keyboard when you are not sober. I know it's difficult, be a little more polite. I disrupted your scheme, and you are angry. Know that the era of remnants of tutelage like you is over.

Tayyar retorted, urging Mumcu to remain civil. "I only recounted what I witnessed during that period without using insulting or demeaning language. My humble advice is to stay away from the keyboard when you are not sober. I know it's difficult, be a little more polite. I disrupted your scheme, and you are angry. Know that the era of remnants of tutelage like you is over."

“

Mr. Şamil! It's not working from afar. Politely saying it doesn't make a lie the truth. The issue is not you or me, it's the country. Since you know the truths, come and tell me to my face in front of the nation. Perhaps the truth of some legends will become visible thanks to you. Come on, please don't break my heart.