Prosecutor’s Office starts investigation into TÜSİAD High Advisory Council Chairman
Mehmet Ömer Arif Aras, the Chairman of the High Advisory Council of the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TÜSİAD), is under investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office due to his statements made during the TÜSİAD General Assembly on February 13, 2025.
Aras faces allegations of attempting to influence fair trial proceedings and spreading false information. In his speech, he highlighted the collapse of Turkey’s system and the resulting atmosphere of distrust, emphasizing the deaths caused by deficiencies in oversight and cost-driven approaches.
Aras discussed the security crisis triggered by incidents such as the Kartalkaya fire, the Soma coal mine disaster, the Erzincan mine collapse, and other events from 2024, pointing to lack of oversight and poor management as the root causes of these tragedies. He also criticized the political situation in Turkey, specifically the appointment of trustees following local elections and the removal of elected officials, arguing that these actions undermined democracy.
Regarding the economy, Aras assessed the state of inflation and anticipated inflation rates for 2025. He advocated for a shift in Turkey’s growth model from being dependent on foreign markets to focusing on high technology and productivity gains through export-driven economic growth. He stressed that the most critical structural reforms required for this transition were in education, meritocracy, the rule of law, and an independent judiciary. According to Aras, implementing these reforms would make it easier to carry out other necessary economic changes.
Finally, Aras emphasized the importance of providing quality education for young people and equipping the current workforce with the skills needed for the modern economy. He underscored that these reforms are crucial for Turkey’s future development.
