Cabinet reshuffle rumors intensify: That name to be dismissed following the BYD crisis

Claims of a cabinet reshuffle, which have been discussed in Ankara's political circles for a long time, have returned to the agenda. It is suggested that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may carry out a new revision in the cabinet following the AKP's 25th-anniversary events.

Following the changes made in the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice in February, eyes had turned to possible new moves in the cabinet. The claims intensified again, especially after the Sapanca camp organized by the AKP at the end of June.

FOUR NAMES STAND OUT IN THE RUMORS

According to the inside information reported by Gazete Pencere, the names of four ministers stand out for a possible cabinet change. These names include Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, and Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır.

It is stated that Murat Kurum, who was reappointed as the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change after losing the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayoral election, could be moved to a different seat within the cabinet. It is rumored in political circles that Kurum could move to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and that the Kanal İstanbul project might be influential in this preference.

Another expectation for change is expressed for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. While it is claimed that Osman Aşkın Bak, who took office after the May 28, 2023 elections, could remain outside the cabinet in the coming days, it is stated that there is no clear information yet regarding the name to be appointed in his place.

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat is also among the ministers whose names are mentioned in the rumors. It is suggested that Bolat's dismissal from his post in the first change to be made in the cabinet is considered among the strong possibilities.

The most striking claim concerns the Ministry of Industry and Technology. While it was normally expected that Mehmet Fatih Kacır would continue his duty, it was alleged that the suspension of the investment project in Turkey by the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD caused discomfort in government circles.

The fact that BYD, which announced in 2024 that it would invest 1 billion dollars in Turkey and establish an automobile factory, suspended the project is shown as the issue that could affect Kacır's seat. It is claimed in political circles that Kacır could be dismissed on the grounds that the process was not managed well enough, and that President of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün could be brought in his place.

The claims regarding the cabinet reshuffle have not yet been officially confirmed. The final decision regarding the scope and timing of a possible revision is expected to be made by President Erdoğan.

News Source: 12punto