Erdoğan pushes the button: It is not an early election, but something entirely different being discussed in AKP corridors
At the AKP's Sapanca retreat, alongside topics of economy and security, preparations for a revision in party organizations, claims of early elections, and expectations of a cabinet reshuffle took center stage in the corridors. Party sources stated that the priority is not elections, but the economy and the restructuring of party organizations.
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In the corridors of the 33rd Consultation and Evaluation Meeting held by the AKP in the Sapanca district of Sakarya, assessments regarding the party's roadmap for the new term came to the fore. According to party sources, while the official agenda included the economy, security, social expectations, and new-term policies, the messages delivered by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the party organizations behind the scenes of the meeting drew attention.
PREPARATIONS FOR A REVISION IN ORGANIZATIONS
According to party sources, it was stated that Erdoğan is uncomfortable with the atmosphere of "complacency" he believes has recently developed within the party organizations. In this context, it was noted that work is underway for a comprehensive change in both provincial and district organizations as well as the AKP Central Executive Board (MYK).
According to the report by Cumhuriyet, sources stated that Erdoğan wants the organizations to continue their field activities without waiting for an election calendar, assessing that, "The goal is to continue with cadres that work, touch the lives of citizens, and do not leave the field empty. Performance will now be monitored more closely."
DISTANT APPROACH TO EARLY ELECTION CLAIMS
Discussions regarding early elections, which occasionally surface in political corridors, were also evaluated at the meeting. Party sources expressed that they do not look favorably upon claims that an early election will be held in the autumn of 2026.
According to the information obtained, it was conveyed that the government's priority is economic policies, and therefore, instead of election preparations, the focus in the coming period is expected to be on restructuring the organizations and intensifying field work.
PARTY MANAGEMENT TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER CABINET
Recent rumors, particularly following the NATO Summit, that some ministers might be dismissed were also among the topics evaluated at the meeting. Party sources stated that no cabinet reshuffle is planned before the autumn.
In the corridors, it is stated that Erdoğan's priority is to re-energize party organizations, while a possible cabinet revision could return to the agenda in the future depending on political and economic developments. It is being discussed in AKP circles that the short-term expectation is focused on changes to be made in party management and organizations rather than the cabinet, with the goal of creating an organizational structure that increases contact with citizens and works actively in the field in the new term.