CHP Pushes for Transparency Law on Politicians’ Wealth

Gökhan Günaydın, Deputy Chair of the Republican People's Party (CHP) parliamentary group, has submitted a draft law to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) proposing that the wealth of top political figures be reported and updated annually.

The proposal would require the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) to audit and publish the wealth of lawmakers, ministers, the President, and their deputies, going back five years prior to their entry into politics—and to renew these disclosures every year.

“Our aim is to ensure that any changes in the wealth of political actors are monitored, audited, and made transparent with the involvement of expert institutions, allowing for public scrutiny,” Günaydın stated.

Tracking Wealth Before and During Public Office

According to Günaydın, the draft law addresses the need for stronger accountability and transparency in political life, particularly in light of public concerns about corruption and abuse of office.

“In a time when the judiciary has been instrumentalized and political interference has tainted both administrative and judicial oversight, corruption has deepened income inequality, pushing over 30 million citizens below the hunger threshold,” he said.

The proposed legislation would ensure that the President, Vice Presidents, ministers, deputy ministers, and members of parliament—along with their spouses and children—disclose their assets from both 10 and 5 years prior to entering office.

Wealth Declarations to Be Made Public and Investigated

The draft law calls for:

• Inclusion of presidential and ministerial positions under the Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Law

• Annual updates to wealth declarations (currently required every five years)

• MASAK-led reporting of historical wealth data

• Publication of all asset declarations on the official websites of TBMM and the Presidency

• Investigation of all unexplained wealth increases, without exception or favoritism

“All wealth declarations—whether submitted directly by the official or determined through MASAK—must be made publicly accessible and open to independent review,” Günaydın emphasized.