Statement from the Directorate of Communications regarding the claim that Şimşek and Erdoğan had an argument about ‘you killed the poor’

Journalist Sedat Bozkurt, at the meeting where Erdoğan came together with the ministers, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek reacted to the state contribution in electricity and natural gas. shared his claim. Allegedly, Şimşek said, “If it is for the poor, the Ministry of Family should identify them and pay them only, why do we pay everyone else’s?” said.

Thereupon, a denial statement came from the Presidential Communications Directorate’s Combating Disinformation Center.

The statement said, “There was no such dialogue between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek before or after the Cabinet Meeting. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance will file a criminal complaint against those who put forward the false allegations in question.”

The full statement is as follows:

“The claim in some media outlets that “There was a discussion between President Erdoğan and Minister Şimşek regarding the state contribution to electricity and natural gas and the bonuses of retirees” is not true.

There was no such dialogue between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek before or after the Cabinet Meeting.

State support of 50 percent in the first stage for electricity bills and 75 percent for natural gas continues. In addition, the holiday bonuses given to retirees have been increased by 50 percent in 2024.

The Ministry of Treasury and Finance will file a criminal complaint against those who make these false allegations.

“Do not believe the unfounded claims made to manipulate public opinion before the election.”