Erdogan announces new cabinet

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday announced the members of his new cabinet in a ceremony in Ankara after his inauguration for his third term.

Speaking in Cankaya Palace in Ankara, Erdogan named 19 ministers and one vice president who, according to him, will shape the next century in Turkey’s history.

Hakan Fidan, former head of the national intelligence service, was named the new foreign affairs minister, Ali Yerlikaya is interior minister, and Yasar Guler is the new defense minister.

Erdogan reinstated Mehmet Simsek as finance minister. Simsek served in the post from 2009 to 2015. During his term in office, Turkey enjoyed a stable economy with the lira trading at a high value. Hopes are that Simsek can restore vigour to the economy, control soaring inflation and a cost of living crisis.

The new cabinet is expected to be sworn in before the Turkish parliament on Sunday.

Earlier on Saturday, Erdogan took the oath of office in front of the Turkish parliament and took part in an inauguration ceremony in the presidential palace attended by leaders from over 20 countries, including Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

During the ceremony, Erdogan said the new cabinet will hold its first official meeting on Tuesday.