Who said what about those who left? It has caused unease within the ruling front

President Erdoğan’s long-awaited cabinet change has led to significant activity in political corridors. Contrary to expectations, the fact that changes were made only in the Ministries of Interior and Justice was evaluated as a “necessary step” within the party. Following the appointments, different interpretations began to be made in AKP corridors regarding the justifications for these changes and their potential consequences.

In AKP corridors, the appointment of Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek to the Ministry of Justice was not seen as a surprise, but it was stated that there were some figures within the party who were not pleased with this choice.

According to information conveyed from the corridors by Nefes columnist Nuray Babacan, President Erdoğan called the two ministers by phone before the changes in duty to thank them and said, “We will evaluate you in a suitable position.”

The change in the Ministry of Justice is attributed to more than one reason. It is stated that Akın Gürlek’s ability to establish direct contact with President Erdoğan and the exchange of information during the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operation process were influential in this appointment.

It is alleged that Yılmaz Tunç remained passive in the management of the ministry and was weak in terms of informing the President. Babacan notes that with Gürlek starting his new duty, the political atmosphere in Ankara points to a challenging period. Tensions that may arise in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), the necessity of being subjected to constant questions, and serving in a more visible position will be important topics for Gürlek.

In party circles, statements were also made in the corridors that Gürlek would establish a three-legged system, creating a powerful structure by combining the HSK Presidency, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ministry of Justice. However, the extent to which this structure will be intervened in by the President and the party leadership, and how its boundaries will be drawn, has not yet become clear.

THE SURPRISE APPOINTMENT AT THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR: MUSTAFA ÇİFTÇİ

The change in the Ministry of Interior was evaluated as a bigger surprise. The appointment of Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi to replace Ali Yerlikaya caused astonishment in AKP corridors.

While it is claimed that Yerlikaya had problems with deputy ministers coming from politics and maintained an independent stance, it was alleged that former TBMM Speaker İsmail Kahraman was influential in the appointment of Çiftçi. It is stated that Çiftçi previously served as Kahraman’s chief of staff and that their close relationship was one of the factors behind the appointment.

CORRIDOR ACTIVITY FOLLOWING YERLİKAYA

Whether Mustafa Çiftçi, who was appointed to replace Yerlikaya, will be sufficient for a strong Ministry of Interior management is being questioned by some circles within the party. Evaluations are being made that corridor activities will also be important for Çiftçi, who was appointed as Minister of Interior, to be more effective in his new role.

Furthermore, it is rumored that some deputy ministers who were alleged to have had problems with Yerlikaya have begun corridor activities to play a more effective role in the new term. It is stated that possible changes in deputy minister positions in the coming period will provide clues about the new management approach.