Ankara corridors stir after cabinet reshuffle: Staffing to be shaped according to Bilal Erdoğan

The implementation of the long-awaited cabinet reshuffle by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, through decisions published in the Official Gazette, has caused widespread repercussions in political circles.

CRITICAL CHANGE IN THE CABINET

With the decision, Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç and Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya were removed from their posts, while Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek was appointed to the Ministry of Justice and Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi to the Ministry of Interior. According to the report by Gülsen Solaker from DW Türkçe, this step is considered part of the cabinet change that has been discussed in Ankara for months.

“IS POLITICS ENTERING A HARSHER LINE?”

In assessments made in political corridors, the view is expressed that these appointments signify a transition to a stricter line in judicial and internal security policies. In this context, it is stated that the effects of the change on the CHP, in particular, will come to the fore.

CHP politicians point out that Akın Gürlek, as Minister of Justice, will be influential in judicial appointments in his capacity as the Chairman of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors. In this scope, it is predicted that Gürlek's influence could be felt in ongoing judicial processes related to the CHP, such as the “absolute nullity case” currently at the appellate stage.

According to information conveyed by DW Türkçe from CHP officials, it is stated that with Gürlek's appointment, efforts will be made to bring the Ankara judiciary under control following Istanbul, and that this situation will bring about a harsher period in politics.

Some CHP officials suggest that the new Minister of Interior, Mustafa Çiftçi, may adopt a tougher stance compared to the previous minister, Ali Yerlikaya. These assessments include claims that a harsher approach may be seen in practices regarding social events in the coming period.

With the appointment of Akın Gürlek to the Ministry of Justice, one of the issues raised by CHP members is the matter of prison exit and visitation permits for imprisoned mayors. A high-level CHP official stated that Gürlek did not look favorably upon the frequent granting of these permits in the previous period and that this issue could become a problem in the new era.

“BILAL ERDOĞAN” CORRIDOR TALK

According to another claim circulating in Ankara's corridors, it is alleged that Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi is close to Bilal Erdoğan and that President Erdoğan is establishing a structure in line with this approach through the Ministry of Interior and governorships, following the party administration.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel reacted to the appointment of Akın Gürlek as Minister of Justice in his speech at the commemoration of Deniz Baykal. In his speech, Özel stated that the CHP is facing one of the greatest attacks in its political history and emphasized that the struggle will continue.

In opposition circles, it is claimed that the case regarding the cancellation of the CHP congress could gain momentum again and that the lifting of parliamentary immunity for some CHP figures, primarily CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, could be brought to the agenda more intensely by processing the summaries of proceedings pending in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

REVISION AND EARLY ELECTION DEBATE

Assessments that the change in two critical ministries, Interior and Justice, is a sign that the election process has begun are also drawing attention. While CHP politicians argue that the cabinet reshuffle is part of an election strategy, some parties outside the opposition also agree that the atmosphere of an early election has begun to be felt.