Turkey is preparing to dismiss 4 new ministers

Turkish president named new justice minister during a clampdown that followed a 2016 coup attempt to a third term in the job, as he also replaced the head of the statistics agency days before closely watched inflation data is published.

The move is the latest in a series of firings linked to the country's currency crisis that has caused inflation to skyrocket. Earlier this month, the agency released data showing that the official inflation rate had reached 36.1%, a 19-year high.

The resignation of Turkish Minister of Justice Abdul Hamid Gul, two months after the resignation of Finance Minister Lutfi Alwan, has sparked anticipation in the political circles for the dismissal of other ministers.

The government’s Official Gazette said Bekir Bozdag, who served as justice minister between 2013-2015 and 2015-2017, had been reappointed after Abdulhamit Gul resigned. It gave no reason for Gul’s departure.

The dismissal of Sait Erdal Dincer comes as inflation in Turkey reached a 19-year high. Data for January, due for release next week, is expected to show official inflation has reached 47%.

Authorities sacked, detained, or arrested thousands in the aftermath of the failed coup, prompting Turkey’s western allies and rights groups to accuse it of using the attempted power-grab as a pretext to quash dissent.

The government has denied the allegations, saying the measures are necessary due to the gravity of threats it faces.

Critics have also voiced concern over Ankara’s deteriorating human rights record and its treatment of journalists, opposition figures, and others.