Deputy PM Kurtulmuş continues as gov’t spokesperson

The announcement of the distribution of roles within the government came late May 25 after the first meeting of Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım that was held under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the presidential office. The decision was later published in the Official Gazette early May 26. 

Accordingly, Yıldırım will be directly responsible for the office of the Secretary-General of the National Security Council (MGK), National Intelligence Organization (MİT), Housing Development Agency (TOKİ), Investment Support and Promotion Agency and Directorate General of Press and Information. 

Canikli will be responsible for ensuring coordination between the government and parliament and for efforts to improve the investment atmosphere in Turkey. The Capital Market Board (SPK), Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) and Turkish Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) will all be overseen by Canikli. 

Şimşek will be responsible for the Central Bank, Ziraat Bank, Halk Bank, Vakıflar Bank and Turkey Development Bank. 

Kurtulmuş will deal with public diplomacy in addition to his job as government spokesperson. The Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Turkish Radio and Television Corp. (TRT), Anadolu Agency and Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTÜK) will all fall within his remit. 

Deputy Prime Minister Tuğrul Türkeş will continue to coordinate the relationship with Turkish Cyprus and conduct works in regards to the Alliance of Civilization. First-time Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak will be responsible for dealing with human rights issues, overseeing the Human Rights and Equality Agency, Committee for the Protection of Personal Data, General Directorate of Foundations, Directorate of Disasters and Emergency Management and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).