How Erdogan’s limited Cabinet reshuffle may hint at drastic change in future?
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan implemented a highly limited Turkish Cabinet reshuffle, in a move that defied widespread expectations.
Even though the changes focused on just a couple of key positions for now, Turkish media considers the cabinet reshuffle to mark the beginning of a series of expected changes within the ruling party.
As the party navigates the post-election landscape and prepares for its next congress, further adjustments in both policy and personnel are anticipated.
‘Necessary adjustment’
Previously, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet’s prominent columnist Abdulkadir Selvi also noted that Erdogan is planning a dramatic change in his party’s and government’s management which will not only mean a change in the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) team but also a change in AK Party’s paradigm as well.
“This isn’t just about swapping seats but a fundamental shift in mindset – a paradigm shift. The sequence is clear: first, alter the paradigm, then appoint the suitable cadre,” Selvi said.
Turkish media interprets Erdogan’s limited Cabinet reshuffle as a cautious approach to change. Despite the pre-election promises of significant reforms and a comprehensive evaluation of the party’s setbacks, the reshuffle was described by insiders as a “necessary adjustment” rather than a full-scale revision.
The broader changes in party and cabinet positions are expected to be tied to the upcoming party congress next year.
Minister Fahrettin Koca’s expected departure
The resignation of Health Minister Fahrettin Koca was long anticipated. Koca, who served as Health Minister since 2018, faced persistent issues within the healthcare system, particularly unresolved problems with the appointment system. These issues were identified as contributing factors to the ruling party’s performance in recent local elections.
New Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu
Professor Dr. Kemal Memisoglu, a 58-year-old, was appointed as the new Health Minister. Memisoglu graduated from Hacettepe University Medical School in Ankara in 1990. He became a General Surgery Specialist and later worked in various hospitals, including the Miami University Liver and Gastrointestinal Transplant Unit in the U.S.
Since 2016, he has served as the Istanbul Health Director and is well known for his significant efforts during the pandemic.
Urbanization Minister Mehmet Ozhaseki’s unexpected resignation
The resignation of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Mehmet Ozhaseki came as a surprise.
On the day of his resignation, Ozhaseki participated in a presentation on earthquake housing projects at a local government consultation meeting and shared a message on social media about continuing to work for the nation under President Erdogan’s leadership. However, by evening, he announced his resignation because of health issues.
Some sources within the party suggested that Ozhaseki faced significant pressures related to tenders in earthquake-affected regions, contributing to his decision to step down.
Return of Murat Kurum as minister
Former Minister Murat Kurum, who previously held the position before losing the Istanbul mayoral race, was reappointed as Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.
Kurum was chosen as the ruling AK Party’s candidate for the Istanbul mayor’s seat by President Erdogan.
His reappointment drew mixed reactions within the party. Some viewed Kurum’s reappointment as a rewarding failure, recalling Erdogan’s post-election statement that “we will not honor those the nation has failed.”
Others defended Kurum, citing his effective handling of the aftermath of the Feb. 6 earthquakes and his experience in disaster management as justifications for his return.
Due to his appointment as a minister, Kurum’s parliamentary seat has fallen, reducing the AK Party’s seats in the parliament to 264.
