Backstage activity heats up in AKP ahead of congress: Albayrak's team is active... Claims regarding Soylu and Özhaseki!
Significant changes are being discussed within the AKP ahead of the party's 8th Ordinary Congress, which will be held on February 23. It is alleged that former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu and Mehmet Özhaseki are lobbying to return to the party's leadership. While many issues, from the structure of the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK) to a potential cabinet reshuffle, are sparking debate, the roadmap the ruling party will follow is being awaited with curiosity.
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The AKP is preparing for its 8th Ordinary Congress, which will be held at the Ankara Sports Hall on February 23. At the congress, members of the Central Decision and Administrative Board (MKYK), the party's highest decision-making body, and the party chairman will be elected. With days left until the congress, significant developments that will affect the balances within the party are taking place.
BACKSTAGE ACTIVITY HEATS UP AGAIN
Nefes columnist Nuray Babacan claimed ahead of the congress that former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu wants to take on an active role within the party again.
It is rumored that Soylu is not satisfied with his current position and is seeking an influential role within the party or the MKYK. In backstage circles, it is alleged that President Erdoğan might prefer to keep Soylu under control by assigning him a role in the MKYK.
A similar situation applies to former Minister of Environment and Urbanization Mehmet Özhaseki. It is stated that Özhaseki, who has remained in the background within the party since leaving his post, has increased his contacts to secure a place in the management.
ALBAYRAK TEAM ALSO IN ACTION
The activity within the party is not limited to these names. It is stated that the team of former Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak is also in action. It is alleged that efforts are being made to keep Albayrak's name on the agenda in various media outlets for a position either in the party management or in the new cabinet.
RADICAL CHANGES EXPECTED IN MKYK
One of the most debated topics in the AKP is the current structure of the MKYK. The fact that the MKYK, which consisted of 50 people at the time of its establishment, has expanded over time to 110 people is causing criticism within the party. Many figures within the party believe that this broad structure weakens decision-making processes and reduces political productivity.
In backstage circles, it is stated that proposals have been submitted to reduce the MKYK back to 50 people, but President Erdoğan has not approved this change. It is noted that similar demands have been brought to the agenda in past congresses but have not yielded results.
WHO IS LEAVING, WHO IS STAYING?
It is rumored that more than half of the general headquarters management could change at the congress. While Efkan Ala and Ömer Çelik are among the names considered certain to remain in their posts, it is stated that Fatih Şahin could be moved to a different position.
Furthermore, it is claimed that Local Governments Chair Yusuf Ziya Yılmaz, Election Affairs Chair Ali İhsan Yavuz, Promotion and Media Affairs Chair Hamza Dağ, Social Policies Chair Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya, and Public Relations Chair Belgin Uygur could be removed from their posts.
In particular, Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya and Çiğdem Karaaslan are criticized for taking on roles in every term despite not producing policy. The term "fixed staff" is used for these names within the party.
SIGNALS OF CABINET RESHUFFLE
The new management to be determined at the congress will also provide clues for the Parliamentary Group elections to be held in June. In backstage circles, it is rumored that Numan Kurtulmuş will be nominated again for the Parliament Speakership.
On the other hand, it is alleged that a cabinet reshuffle may also come to the agenda following the congress. It is evaluated that some ministers within the party could be removed from their posts and new names could take part in the administration.
Significant changes are expected in the AKP throughout the February-June period. The moves to be made in the general headquarters management, the cabinet, and the parliamentary administration will determine the path the party will follow in the coming period.
These changes raise questions about whether the AKP will choose to recognize its past mistakes and renew itself, or whether it will continue a management approach based on loyalty. In political circles, the question, "Could these changes be a turning point for the future of the AK Party?" continues to be debated.