'Culture Road' crisis in the AKP: Another blow to Minister Ersoy from Metin Külünk!

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy is facing a series of criticisms from within the ruling party. Following the targeting of the Culture Road Festival by Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral, former AKP deputy Metin Külünk has now made a harsh statement. Continuing the criticism initiated by Saral, Külünk opposed both the content of the festivals and the expenditures.

KÜLÜNK: "THE STATE IS NOT A SOURCE OF AMUSEMENT"

In a statement on his social media account, Külünk emphasized that the state 'cannot be a source of amusement' and wrote the following:

''Some people may have fun or throw parties as they please, but the state cannot do that. The state must be concerned with the troubles of its citizens. Holding concerts while traveling from city to city while news of martyrs is coming in wounds the conscience of the public."

"THOSE WHO INSULT THE STATE ARE MAKING MONEY AT THE FESTIVAL"

Külünk also alleged that individuals who speak out against the state are included in the festival content:

"The fact that some people who display a hostile attitude toward our President, the government, and even the state are taking the stage at festivals is causing a great reaction among our people. Just as we reacted when criticizing the expenditures of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, the same stance should be displayed here."

"THERE IS AN AUSTERITY CIRCULAR, BUT MONEY IS BEING SQUANDERED"

Külünk claimed that despite the government's emphasis on 'austerity,' exorbitant expenditures are being made for Culture Road events:

"Cultural projects should be supported, but it is unacceptable to pay exorbitant sums and allow those who insult the state to profit. Moreover, these events do not see support in the eyes of the public; they are only defended by those who benefit from them. This wastefulness must be ended immediately."

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE DEBATE: THE SARAL AND GÜLTEKİN TENSION

Following the statement made by Oktay Saral on July 10, a notable response came from former AKP deputy Selim Gültekin. Reminding that Saral had visited Minister Ersoy shortly before, Gültekin reacted by asking, "Who made you write this tweet?" However, Gültekin later deleted this post.

Gültekin, who then made another post, hinted at internal conflict by saying, "Isn't it more appropriate for those in the same boat to talk on the phone instead of tweeting?" However, this message was also withdrawn after a while.

CLAIM: FAHRETTİN ALTUN WANTED THE MINISTRY

While all these debates continue, a striking claim came from journalist İsmail Saymaz. Saymaz alleged that Fahrettin Altun, who was removed from his post as Communications Director, wanted to become the 'Minister of Culture' if the Ministry of Culture and Tourism were to be split.