Tension in the AKP over Akın Gürlek: Concerns that it will 'strengthen the opposition'

Following the new appointments to the Ministries of Justice and Interior, which have become one of the hottest topics in Turkish politics, assessments made within the AKP have been reflected to the public. According to information leaked from party corridors, the political consequences of the change in the Ministry of Justice, in particular, are being emphasized.

According to what journalist Nuray Babacan has reported, some AKP politicians state that the new era could be interpreted as "a departure from the rule of law, a further deviation of the scales of justice, and a move away from human rights and democracy" by the opposition.

In the assessments made within the AKP, the view that a "hard and sharp" understanding of politics could harm the party in the medium term stands out. It is reported that there are figures who argue that this line will grow the opposition bloc.

Some party members, on the other hand, state that the political balances in Ankara will be influential on the new Minister of Justice's decisions and that not every idea can easily turn into a legal regulation.

According to this view, it is stated that decisions will first be shaped within the party, then in parliamentary commissions and the General Assembly, and that this process could also transform the minister.

Following the events at the new ministers' swearing-in ceremony, attention is drawn to the importance of the party group standing firmly behind the ministers. It is reported that some AKP politicians made the following assessments in closed-door meetings:

"There is a big difference between making decisions behind closed doors and serving as a minister in the public eye. Every decision first passes through the political filter, then through the parliamentary filter. Imposition only goes so far. No one is independent. When Ali Yerlikaya took office, he was welcomed with applause; when he left, there was not a single person by his side. That is why Ankara's balances are important."

It is stated that with the new ministerial process, the topic of "deputy ministers" has also become an important agenda item within the party.

According to the information provided, it is not seen as possible for the current deputy ministers to be replaced before President Erdoğan makes a decision. For this reason, it is stated that the ministers will have to work with the current deputies for a while, even if they do not want to.

Due to this situation, it is stated that there is intense traffic in AKP corridors regarding deputy ministers, and that initiatives are being made for some names to remain in office and for others to be swapped between the two ministries. It is reported that these proposals will be presented to the President through the party group and that new appointments may come to the agenda following the approval process.