Erdogan Accuses Former Allies of Alleged Fraud Over Halkbank
- Turkish president takes aim at ex-PM Davutoglu, Babacan
- Both onetime allies plan to challenge Erdogan politically
A Halkbank branch in Istanbul.
Photographer: Kerem Uzel/Bloomberg
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Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused allies-turned-rivals of defrauding a state-owned bank.
Erdogan leveled his claims as former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and former economy chief Ali Babacan prepare to launch breakaway parties in an attempt to challenge the president’s 17-year-rule. He gave no evidence for his allegation that fraud tainted Istanbul Sehir University’s loan from state-owned Halkbank, which he said totaled 417 million lira ($72 million).