The deputy chair of the ruling party resigns amid allegations

The deputy chair of the ruling party resigns amid allegations

ANKARA
The deputy chair of the ruling party resigns amid allegations

Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, AA Photo

Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy Chair Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya resigned from her posts early on Sept. 27 to allow an independent investigation into allegations linking her to a public fund controversy in Türkiye.

 

Kaya, who previously served as family and social policies minister, stepped down as deputy chair in charge of social policies to prevent her office from becoming a subject of debate. She took political and conscientious responsibility to ensure a healthy inquiry, she said.

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan showed a clear will for a meticulous investigation into the matter regardless of the individuals involved, Kaya said on social media.

 

"The duty we undertake toward our nation requires taking political and conscientious responsibility when necessary," she said, noting she asked Erdoğan to relieve her of her duties so authorities could clarify the claims.

 

Kaya's resignation follows reports implicating her in a high-profile financial inquiry dominating the public agenda in recent weeks. Authorities have detained scores of suspects and seized assets linked to the alleged illicit funding scheme across multiple provinces.

 

The veteran politician entered Parliament in 2015 and led the Family and Social Policies Ministry between 2016 and 2018.