Turkish Deputy PM signals he may keep current position in 2015

ISTANBUL

Ali Babacan has steered Turkey's economic policy for the last 12 years. AA Photo

Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, who has steered Turkey's economic policy for the last 12 years, has signaled that he may retain the position of economy head in an interview with the Nikkei business daily in Japan.

“I should be leaving, but we also have a system where ministers can be appointed without necessarily being elected members of Parliament. However, this is very exceptional. So, I think it depends on circumstances," Babacan said.

"If it is my free will, I would like to return to the private sector. However, I have learned during 12 years in politics it’s ultimately circumstances and not free will which is directing outcomes. So I don't want to speak in deterministic terms on what is going to happen next year after the elections,” he added.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has a rule that limits politicians running forParliament to three consecutive terms. Babacan is the only AKP member who has been in the Cabinet since 2002 and many wonder if he will remain there after the 2015 elections.

Babacan had said earlier he would likely go back to his family business, but retaining his current position is a possibility.