Fahrettin Altun crisis in AKP corridors: A new act in the power struggle! Distance with the Erdoğan family is growing
The appointment of Fahrettin Altun as Ambassador to the Vatican, following his tenure as Presidency's Director of Communications and his subsequent appointment as President of the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye, has sparked major debate within AKP circles. Reactions within the party and old allegations have resurfaced.
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Fahrettin Altun’s appointment as Ambassador to the Vatican has stirred a storm in AKP corridors. According to Nuray Babacan, while Altun’s appointment to the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Türkiye (TİHEK) after his previous role had been welcomed, his new position at the Vatican has triggered fresh controversy within the party.
Some AKP officials, recalling that Altun had requested an ambassadorial appointment from President Erdoğan when he was removed from his previous post—a request Erdoğan had rejected—commented, "The fact that this issue has come back to the agenda means someone has intervened. We are wondering who it is." This development has also raised questions regarding Altun’s new role.
IS IT A REWARD?
While Fahrettin Altun’s appointment as Ambassador to the Vatican is viewed by some as a "reward," different opinions have emerged within the party. Altun’s conduct during his previous tenure has fueled internal party debates.
Fahrettin Altun’s use of the presidential seal to issue statements during his time as Communications Director had been criticized by some circles.
Furthermore, his constant visibility through state media outlets such as TRT and Anadolu Agency, appearing as one of the most prominent figures immediately after President Erdoğan, had also drawn backlash.
The polemics Altun engaged in with the management of the Turkuaz media group, along with mutual disputes carried out through advertisements on ATV and broadcasts on TRT, were another factor that increased tension within the ruling party.
Additionally, allegations that Altun had "purchased" websites close to the CHP to ensure they published content against the main opposition party were also on the agenda.
IS THE DISTANCE WITH THE ERDOĞAN FAMILY GROWING?
The end of Altun’s wife Fatmanur Altun’s roles as a TÜRGEV executive and a member of the Turkish Airlines (THY) Board of Directors is being interpreted as the result of a power struggle.
It is frequently discussed in the corridors that the distance between Hakan Fidan—following the war report he presented regarding Iran—and Altun is steadily increasing.
Criticism within the AKP regarding Fahrettin Altun’s era has intensified, particularly concerning the embargoes applied to journalists and operations targeting the opposition.
The balance sheet of Altun’s term as director has been described by AKP members as leaving a "bad taste." This period continues to be a frequently discussed topic in ruling party corridors.