Confession-like assessment in AKP corridors: 'It made the government even more aggressive'

Following the operations launched against CHP municipalities, which have continued to expand, internal discussions within the ruling front have begun to surface. Nuray Babacan, an experienced journalist covering Ankara's political corridors, wrote that there is serious confusion and a management crisis within the AKP.

It was reported that a large portion of figures within the AKP are uncomfortable with the strategy pursued recently and are expressing the view that, "We could not manage this process well, we thought it would be forgotten, but it didn't happen; the CHP is setting the agenda..."

SUCCESSIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST CHP MUNICIPALITIES

The first major operation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) took place on March 19. In the investigation launched over corruption allegations, IBB Mayor and CHP presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, along with many administrators, were detained.

Subsequently, on March 23, political tension reached its peak with the arrest of İmamoğlu and several other figures. This development coincided with the CHP's candidate selection process. While İmamoğlu had been elected with the support of 16 million Istanbulites, the view that the judicial process and the operations were "politically motivated" became widespread among the public.

Following these developments, the operations did not lose momentum. With the recent arrests of the Metropolitan Mayors of Adana and Antalya, the debate over "political operations" has deepened even further.

Journalist Nuray Babacan made a striking assessment, stating, "The confusion and chaos within the AKP are by no means minimal." In evaluations made within the party, it is being discussed that the IBB operation has produced unexpected results.

According to Babacan, AKP members had believed that public reaction would diminish over time. However, this expectation did not materialize. On the contrary, it is stated that the AKP's plans have been disrupted in the face of the CHP's determined stance and the public's continued interest.

THE CROWD AT SARAÇHANE CHANGED THE BALANCE

The large crowd that attended the rally organized by the CHP at Saraçhane Square on the 100th day of Ekrem İmamoğlu's arrest resonated within the AKP.

According to Babacan, AKP members who believed that "the reaction to the lawlessness would diminish after a while" saw that this expectation was dashed in the face of the mass support at Saraçhane.

Some figures within the AKP believe that the process has turned into a test of strength and state that the CHP's persistent stance has made the government even more aggressive.

The assessment reflected from within the AKP that "the CHP is setting the agenda" serves as a serious self-criticism regarding the strategy the ruling bloc has maintained until now.

It is being discussed that these words could increase the pressure for change within the party ahead of the upcoming local elections. At the same time, there are comments that this has triggered public interest in the CHP and that the opposition is gaining social support through "victimization."