When Turkish Minister of Finance Berat Albayrak resigned over Instagram Nov. 8, it took over a day for any official or bureaucrat from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to acknowledge it. Finally, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s communications office announced that Albayrak will be permitted to leave his position.
Albayrak, who married Erdogan’s oldest daughter in 2004, had been at the post since Turkey switched to the notorious executive presidential system in 2018. He served as energy minister from 2015 to 2018. His Instagram post instantly went viral even as Albayrak’s other social media accounts were shut down. That account is now inaccessible as well. Right after Erdogan announced Albayrak’s release from the post, he appointed Lutfi Elvan in his place. Citing health reasons, Albayrak did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.