Democrats win Senate majority in US midterms as Trump prepares first response
First published Wed, Nov 4 · Updated Fri, Nov 6
Democrats have won a majority in the US Senate in the midterm elections, according to results reported as polls closed. Turkish outlets described the outcome as a heavy blow to Donald Trump, and Donald Trump was preparing his first statement after the vote.1234
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico won a historic victory in a Republican stronghold, beating the Republicans with their own tactics, Medyascope reported. The outlet profiled Talarico as the Democrat who broke the mold in Trump's fortress.5
UPDATES
· New development
Democrats who won control of the US Congress sent a warning to the Turkish government: "Hire a lawyer!"6
Turkish commentators examined whether the new Congress will restrain Trump and what the result means for the F-35 fighter programme, with experts answering the question.7
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Erdoğan vows to purge capital markets of "this microbe" in fund investigation
First published Thu, Nov 5
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the fund investigation will not be dropped and that the capital markets will be cleansed of "this microbe." He said no concession would be given at any stage of the process and that bribery, irregularities and abuses would be uncovered one by one.123
Erdoğan said people nobody expected had been drawn into the affair. "People you would never expect have got into these dealings," he said, adding that the judiciary is identifying them and doing what is required.4253
The remarks came as the fund investigation widened beyond the exchange. Prosecutors have moved against former Borsa İstanbul general manager Korkmaz Enes Ergun, and Atila Türeli has been appointed to head the exchange's General Directorate on an acting basis in his place.16
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Borsa İstanbul General Directorate has been filled on an acting basis by Atila Türeli, replacing Enes Ergun
First published Mon, Nov 2 · Updated Tue, Nov 3
Borsa İstanbul General Directorate has been filled on an acting basis by Atila Türeli, replacing Enes Ergun. The appointment was reported by business outlets Bloomberght and Bigpara and by oppositional Sözcü.123
The change at the top of the exchange follows a fund investigation in which the Borsa İstanbul general manager was taken into custody. Euronews.com reported the detention under the headline on the fund probe.4
Oppositional Cumhuriyet carried a column by Orhan Bursalı whose headline said the exchange chairman had formed an organization to commit crimes. The column appeared alongside the reports of Türeli's acting appointment and Ergun's detention.5
UPDATES
· New development
Korkmaz Enes Ergun, the former general manager of Borsa İstanbul, was arrested on a charge of taking bribes within the fund investigation run by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Cumhuriyet reported.6
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Bahçeli unveils '100 provinces, 1000 districts' plan with 19 new provinces and 78 districts
First published Mon, Nov 2
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli presented a project called "100 provinces, 1000 districts" to the public, saying the party had prepared a plan to create 19 new provinces and 78 new districts. He said: "With the project we prepared as the Nationalist Movement Party, we envisage the establishment of 19 new provinces and 78 new districts."1
Bahçeli named the 19 districts he proposes turning into provinces. After the 100-province proposal, 19 districts began preparations for new licence plates, and outlets published lists of the districts in line for provincial status.23
İhlas Haber Ajansı reported that Ersoy renewed a demand for Gesi and Erkilet to be made districts, repeating the request in the same coverage of Bahçeli's plan.45
Attributed claim: The figure attached to "districts" differs by outlet: Ege'de Sonsöz reported 19 districts, while the business daily Dünya carried 1000 in its account of the same project. Bahçeli's own statement, as carried by TRT Haber, set out 19 new provinces and 78 new districts.561
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Turkey's 15-year age limit for social media accounts takes effect, with unverified accounts to be closed
First published Mon, Nov 2
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
A new social media rule setting a 15-year age limit for children has taken effect in Turkey. Accounts that do not complete age verification face closure, and the regulation is intended to build a child-friendly digital ecosystem, according to Family and Social Services Minister Göktaş.123
Göktaş said the new social media regulation marked an important step toward the goal of a child-friendly digital ecosystem. The minister announced that the social media restriction had formally begun.24
Experts warned users about an age-verification trap and advised against clicking links sent by message. The warning came as the new verification requirement took effect.5
Attributed claim: Opposition outlet Sözcü described the change as a social media ban that had formally started, while pro-government Yeni Şafak reported that accounts failing to comply will be closed and that the new period begins tomorrow. Both accounts describe the same rule taking effect, but they frame it differently: a ban versus an enforcement deadline for account closure.43
Also this week
Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.
Turkey orders 11 more detentions in Sarıgül money-laundering probe and appoints trustee to Şişli vocational schoolTurkish prosecutors ordered the detention of 11 more suspects in the money-laundering investigation into the Sarıgül family, and a trustee was appointed to Şişli Meslek Yüksekokulu (Şişli Vocational School). The orders were reported on Friday by outlets across the political spectrum, from state broadcaster TRT Haber to oppositional Sözcü and Diken.
Turkey orders 11 more detentions in Sarıgül money-laundering probe and appoints trustee to Şişli vocational school
First published Fri, Nov 6
Turkish prosecutors ordered the detention of 11 more suspects in the money-laundering investigation into the Sarıgül family, and a trustee was appointed to Şişli Meslek Yüksekokulu (Şişli Vocational School). The orders were reported on Friday by outlets across the political spectrum, from state broadcaster TRT Haber to oppositional Sözcü and Diken.1234
The case centres on allegations that large sums of money of unknown origin were laundered through companies established inside Turkey and abroad. TRT Haber reported that 28 suspects, including Emir and Ömer Sarıgül, have been arrested in the investigation.4
The new detention orders extend a probe that has already reached the family's inner circle. Earlier waves brought relatives and associates before Istanbul prosecutors, and the investigation has continued to widen since it first surfaced.34
The trustee appointment places the Şişli vocational school under appointed management, the same step authorities have taken against municipalities caught up in other investigations. The school is named in the detention coverage alongside the 11 new orders.1256
The 2040 energy targets were announced as a new phase in Turkish energy policyThe 2040 energy targets were announced as a new phase in Turkish energy policy, presented as building on foundations laid in 2017. Coverage tied the plan to that earlier period and to the 2040 vision.
The 2040 energy targets were announced as a new phase in Turkish energy policy
First published Thu, Nov 5
The 2040 energy targets were announced as a new phase in Turkish energy policy, presented as building on foundations laid in 2017. Coverage tied the plan to that earlier period and to the 2040 vision.123
The figures and the minister's statements were carried without dispute across pro-government, state, business and oppositional outlets, including Bigpara, Bloomberght, TRT Haber and Yeşil Ekonomi.3452
Istanbul governor and AKOM warn of heavy thunderstorms, 30-60 kg of rain per square metreIstanbul's disaster coordination centre AKOM said heavy thunderstorms are expected in the city from this evening, with 30 to 60 kilograms of rain per square metre falling across different districts. The Istanbul Governor's Office issued its own warning of strong rain and storm and gave times for the public to watch.
Istanbul governor and AKOM warn of heavy thunderstorms, 30-60 kg of rain per square metre
First published Thu, Nov 5
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Istanbul's disaster coordination centre AKOM said heavy thunderstorms are expected in the city from this evening, with 30 to 60 kilograms of rain per square metre falling across different districts. The Istanbul Governor's Office issued its own warning of strong rain and storm and gave times for the public to watch.123
The Meteorological General Directorate (MGM) forecast heavy rain across the Marmara region, and Habertürk reported showers in İzmir. Sabah carried a yellow-code alert for 23 provinces, warning of flash floods, flooding, overflow and landslides.456
Attributed claim: A separate warning covered the whole country for the 12:00-18:00 window, with 21 provinces under yellow code and two under orange code, according to Diken. Birgün reported the same 23-province yellow alert for heavy showers and storms.78
Istanbul prosecutors seek arrest of former Borsa İstanbul chief Korkmaz Enes Ergun in fund probeIstanbul prosecutors are seeking the arrest of Korkmaz Enes Ergun, the former general manager of Borsa İstanbul, as part of a fund investigation run by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Ergun was taken into custody in the probe and referred to a magistrate's court with a request for his arrest. Cumhuriyet reported that he was arrested on a charge of taking bribes.
Istanbul prosecutors seek arrest of former Borsa İstanbul chief Korkmaz Enes Ergun in fund probe
First published Wed, Nov 4
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Istanbul prosecutors are seeking the arrest of Korkmaz Enes Ergun, the former general manager of Borsa İstanbul, as part of a fund investigation run by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Ergun was taken into custody in the probe and referred to a magistrate's court with a request for his arrest. Cumhuriyet reported that he was arrested on a charge of taking bribes.123
Atila Türeli has been appointed to head Borsa İstanbul's General Directorate on an acting basis, replacing Ergun. The leadership change at the exchange follows the fund investigation in which its general manager was taken into custody.45
Attributed claim: The outlets covering the case differ on Ergun's legal status. Cumhuriyet reported that Ergun was arrested on a bribery charge, while Diken and Bloomberght reported that prosecutors sent him to the magistrate's court with a request for arrest, leaving the court's decision pending in their accounts.213
Antalya sets COP31 traffic and security rules as Hürriyet tours the EXPO 2016 venueAntalya has announced traffic decisions and security measures for COP31, the climate conference the city will host. Hürriyet reported that the countdown to COP31 has begun and that preparations are largely complete. The blue section of the EXPO 2016 site was opened to the press for the first time.
Antalya sets COP31 traffic and security rules as Hürriyet tours the EXPO 2016 venue
First published Wed, Nov 4
Antalya has announced traffic decisions and security measures for COP31, the climate conference the city will host. Hürriyet reported that the countdown to COP31 has begun and that preparations are largely complete. The blue section of the EXPO 2016 site was opened to the press for the first time.12
Hürriyet toured the venue with Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Burak Demiralp and Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin. Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Kurum said the COP31 Green Zone will be the hub of climate solutions.23
Turkcell will support COP31 as a sector partner and as application partner for COPArt, and data related to COP31 has been gathered into a single application. Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality is contributing green transport support to the conference, and Yörük culture will be presented to the world through COP31.4567
Singer Tarkan re-recorded his 2008 song "Uyan" for COP31, and Hürriyet published a column by Ömür Gedik describing it as a call to the world to "wake up." Sabah carried an account of what happened during the filming of the song's video.8910
Turkey's annual inflation falls to 29.77 percent as October prices rise 2.58 percentTurkey's statistics agency TÜİK published October inflation data, reporting a monthly rise in consumer prices of 2.58 percent. The Tüketici Fiyat Endeksi (TÜFE) stood at 29.77 percent on an annual basis.
Turkey's annual inflation falls to 29.77 percent as October prices rise 2.58 percent
First published Tue, Nov 3
Turkey's statistics agency TÜİK published October inflation data, reporting a monthly rise in consumer prices of 2.58 percent. The Tüketici Fiyat Endeksi (TÜFE) stood at 29.77 percent on an annual basis.123
The October figure set the ceiling for November rent increases, which outlets calculated from the same TÜFE release. Coverage of the data led on the rent cap and on how the new increase is calculated.145
The release drew attention across outlets of different camps: state broadcaster TRT Haber reported the monthly and annual rates, business outlet Bloomberght led with the 2.58 percent monthly figure, and oppositional Sözcü led with the November rent increase. None of the accounts disputed the figures.235
Turkish labour minister says extra pension increases are being draftedLabour and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan said work is under way on additional improvements to pension payments, beyond the increases already set in law. He said the government is carrying out a study covering extra improvements for retirees.
Turkish labour minister says extra pension increases are being drafted
First published Tue, Nov 3 · Updated Fri, Nov 6
Labour and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan said work is under way on additional improvements to pension payments, beyond the increases already set in law. He said the government is carrying out a study covering extra improvements for retirees.123
The announcement lands as the four-month inflation figures for civil servants and retirees have firmed up, fixing the raise picture ahead of the January adjustment. Outlets reported the four-month rate for the pension increase as settled and an inflation gap opening for civil servant pay.456
Pro-government Sabah reported that the fourth figure for SSK and Bağkur pensions is now clear and published a table for the raise plus a welfare share. Oppositional Cumhuriyet put the story in terms of retirees waiting on the January raise, with the four-month inflation table now settled.78
Oppositional Sözcü cast the minister's remarks as good news that excited retirees, while Diken reported flatly that a supplementary study for pensions is being carried out. Both accounts rest on the same statement by Işıkhan.93
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· New development
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek said a new pension arrangement will cover all retirees and pointed to December for the final work.131415
Şimşek said the increase rate will differ by age and number of premium days, and that the same criteria will be applied even to flat-rate raises, to ensure fairness.1316
· New interpretation
Hürriyet columnist Noyan Doğan wrote that the way pension payments are calculated is changing, a framing that goes beyond the extra increase the labour minister said was being drafted.10
Coverage on Tuesday centred on the questions of how much the pension raise will be and whether an extra increase will come on top of the four-month inflation gap.1112
İliyana Yotova won Bulgaria's presidential election, according to results reported after polls closedİliyana Yotova won Bulgaria's presidential election, according to results reported after polls closed. Kiril Valchev was elected vice president of Bulgaria in the same vote.
İliyana Yotova won Bulgaria's presidential election, according to results reported after polls closed
First published Tue, Nov 3
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
İliyana Yotova won Bulgaria's presidential election, according to results reported after polls closed. Kiril Valchev was elected vice president of Bulgaria in the same vote.123
Yotova declared victory and the result was described as the first of its kind in the country's history. The outcome was also presented as a historic result that would change the balance between Russia and the West.435
Attributed claim: Opposition outlets Sözcü and Odatv framed the result as a shift in Europe's Russia policy, with Odatv saying that policy is collapsing. The state news agency Anadolu Ajansı reported the vice-presidential result alongside the presidential win without that framing.532
Erdoğan offers South Korea partnership in Sinop nuclear plant on visitPresident Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited South Korea and pressed for nuclear and defence industry cooperation between Ankara and Seoul. He proposed that South Korea join Turkey as a partner in the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant. Erdoğan also delivered messages on nuclear energy and the defence industry during the trip.
Erdoğan offers South Korea partnership in Sinop nuclear plant on visit
First published Mon, Nov 2
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited South Korea and pressed for nuclear and defence industry cooperation between Ankara and Seoul. He proposed that South Korea join Turkey as a partner in the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant. Erdoğan also delivered messages on nuclear energy and the defence industry during the trip.1234
Haber 7 led its coverage with Erdoğan's remarks on the Strait of Hormuz, published as a breaking-news item alongside the nuclear and defence cooperation messages from the South Korea visit.5
Istanbul prosecutors seek arrest of 4 in Sarıgül money-laundering probe as 10 appear in courtProsecutors completed the court processing of 10 people in the money-laundering investigation into the Sarıgül family and sent four of them to court with a request for arrest. They sought judicial control orders for the remaining seven. Emir Sarıgül's statement to investigators has surfaced in the case.
Istanbul prosecutors seek arrest of 4 in Sarıgül money-laundering probe as 10 appear in court
First published Mon, Nov 2
Prosecutors completed the court processing of 10 people in the money-laundering investigation into the Sarıgül family and sent four of them to court with a request for arrest. They sought judicial control orders for the remaining seven. Emir Sarıgül's statement to investigators has surfaced in the case.123
Emir Sarıgül's statement has opened a new file on Özgür Özel, with a fezleke — a summary of proceedings — being prepared against him, Medyaradar reported. The report tied the step directly to the statement Sarıgül gave in the investigation.4
The case is a money-laundering investigation, Turkish coverage reported, and it has extended to Sarıgül's family and close circle. Ten people were brought to the courthouse in the latest wave.23
