Ruling AK Party contemplates changes amid internal strife

Recent discussions within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) indicate deliberations about potential changes in provincial leadership positions in Ankara and Istanbul.

Concerns have surfaced internally over the perceived sluggishness of these changes, with a notable emphasis on the belief that initiating transformation from local levels rather than from the top down may not be the most effective approach.

Following President and Chairman of the AK Party Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement about discontinuing with burdensome individuals, internal talks have suggested the prospect of an upcoming congress and possible leadership shifts within the party.

However, recent assessments lean toward managing the electoral process through a congress slated for 2025, rather than multiple congresses before the 2028 elections. The change process began recently with the dismissal of seven provincial chairpersons after the local elections, alongside resignations in Batman and Rize. Recent days have also seen resignations in Mardin and Sanliurfa, with discussions ongoing regarding potential replacements in Ankara and Istanbul.

There are concerns voiced within the Central Executive Committee that the change process in Türkiye’s AK Party is proceeding too slowly. Some committee members argue against postponing the major congress until 2025, citing declining morale and motivation within the party’s ranks due to delayed expectations of change.