Ex-Chief Spy Back to Post After Withdrawing From Pre-Candidacy
Resigning his post as Turkey’s spy chief, Hakan Fidan has been reappointed to his post in National Intelligence Organization (MIT) after from abandoning plans to run for parliament.
Fidan had announced his pre-candidacy after quitting post on February 7.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he did "not view Fidan's candidacy positively," but acknowledged it was a matter for Davutoğlu to decide.
Fidan: “Upon the necessity that…”
Following the cabinet meeting in the presidential palace late yesterday, Fidan announced his withdrawal.
“Upon the necessity that I have seen, I am withdrawing from my deputy pre-candidacy for the 25th Term General Elections,” he said in statememt.
Opposition critical
Following the cabinet meeting, Deputy PM Bülent Arınç made a declaration saying that PM Davutoğlu appointed Fidan back to the head of MIT.
Although the opposition criticized the appointment on the grounds that Fidan’s return to post after resigning for pre-candidacy was not proper.
“Every state worker can run for the parliament elections and returns are possible,” Republican People’s Party deputy Haluk Koç said.
“However,” he continued, “returns are not possible for those who are in critical posts like the army administration or head of judiciary bodies. The aforementioned spy chief [referring to Fidan] is showing its inexperience when he is adhered to a political party.” (NV/BM)
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