Deputy Minister debate in the AKP: Is the undersecretariat system making a comeback?

Dissatisfaction with deputy ministers is growing within AKP circles. There is talk that the position of undersecretary, which was abolished with the transition to the Presidential Government System in 2018, could be brought back onto the agenda. This time, the issue sparking the debate is not just merit or job descriptions, but high salaries and income obtained from multiple sources.

Board membership fees drew backlash

According to reports from behind the scenes, it is not only the high salaries deputy ministers receive from the state that have caused serious discomfort within the AKP, but also the fact that they receive fees from the boards of directors of public subsidiaries. Some party officials, concerned that the backlash might reach the public, argue that the structural problems in the system must be reviewed urgently.

Cevdet Yılmaz intervened

It has been learned that Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz took action following these debates. According to a report in the "Duvarların Dili Olsa" column of the Nefes newspaper, Yılmaz gave instructions for the salaries of deputy ministers to be reduced to the level of general manager salaries. According to the same report, Yılmaz stated that he is "ready to face" any backlash that may come from this decision.

Clause added to the omnibus bill

The AKP's search for solutions was not limited to instructions. According to behind-the-scenes information, a clause added to the omnibus bill has reduced the salaries of deputy ministers to the level of general managers. This step aims to calm public reaction and demonstrate sensitivity regarding public spending.

Undersecretary formula on the table

However, beyond salaries, a more fundamental change regarding the functioning of the system is also being discussed. The formula of having undersecretaries, who were the highest-ranking bureaucrats in ministries before 2018, return to duty and replace deputy ministers has begun to gain traction within the AKP.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In behind-the-scenes information that came to the agenda last week, it was claimed that the 4-5 deputy ministers serving in each ministry were considered inefficient, that serious problems were being experienced in some ministries due to factionalism, and that action would be taken regarding this.

It was stated that AKP officials had begun preparations to abolish the deputy minister positions and return to the undersecretary system.