Laki Vingas is a Turkish citizen of Greek descent living in Istanbul. He is also the first non-Muslim member of the General Assembly of the General Directorate for Foundations (VGM), an institution attached to the Prime Minister’s Office in Ankara.
Mr. Vingas is a businessman but was elected to represent all non-Muslim minorities at the the institution responsible for executing state policies of the past aiming at intimidating non-Muslims and shaking their foundations by seizing their properties.
This innovation was made possible after the amendments to the Law of Foundations, which were introduced in 2008.
Mr. Vingas revealed in a recent interview in Agos that he is optimistic for the future and he pointed out that he has never experienced restriction incidents or any kind of problems while working for the VGM.
According to Mr. Vingas, the Turkish PM Erdogan and his government have taken a major step towards solving the majority of the problems relevant to the minority foundations and the decision of taking political action will encourage further progress in the country.
The VGM will be holding its next elections on December 25 and Mr. Vingas is expected to be elected for another three years.
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