The Turkish currency fell to a new low, a result of the government corruption scandal that shook the country. (File photo: Reuters)
Turkish currency hits low amid corruption scandal
Dozens of people have been detained and the prime minister was forced to reshuffle his government
The Turkish national currency has fallen to a new low, a sign the government corruption scandal is taking its toll on the economy.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was forced to reshuffle his government after three ministers' sons were among dozens of people detained in a vast police corruption and bribery investigation. The head of a state-owned bank was also arrested.
Erdogan’s government has rejected the corruption allegations, pointing fingers instead at an alleged conspiracy to hurt his government ahead of local elections in March.
But the political instability is unnerving investors.
The Turkish lira reached a record 2.19 against the dollar and 2.97 against the euro on Monday. It has slid more than seven percent against the dollar since the scandal began on Dec. 17.
