Turkish Leader, Accused of Nepotism, Fires Brother, Cousin in Cabinet Shift

Prime Minister Turgut Ozal reorganized his Cabinet on Friday, dismissing his brother and cousin in apparent response to charges of nepotism that may have helped defeat his party in municipal elections.

He fired 10 other members of the 22-member Cabinet and took personal control of the economic portfolios. Inflation, which reached 75% last year, was considered a major factor in last Sunday’s election setback.

Among the ministers removed were Ozal’s brother Yusuf, state minister in charge of the economy, and his cousin, Husnu Dogan, minister of agriculture.

Defense Minister Ercan Vuralhan, a close friend, also was dropped. He has been accused in the press of impropriety in handling government contracts.

Three portfolios were added, bringing the number of ministers to 25.

In the local elections, Ozal’s Motherland Party got only 22% of the vote, down from 36% in the 1987 general election, and won only two mayoralties in the 67 provincial capitals.

Ozal’s government reorganization brought the state planning organization, the treasury and foreign trade department and all state banks under his direct control.

He told a news conference Friday the new government could run the country until the end of his term in 1992 despite the defeat in municipal elections, but added: “Early elections are not out of the question. I told the president (Kenan Evren) I will call early elections if it appears to be necessary.”

Opposition leaders whose parties made major gains Sunday have pressed for early elections, claiming the existing Parliament no longer represents the majority of voters. Ozal’s party holds 292 of the 450 seats.