Erdogan set to overhaul ruling AK Party’s leadership ahead of 2028 elections

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will convene its Central Decision and Executive Board Tuesday, Sept. 3, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to launch the party’s regular congress process.

The meeting is expected to outline the congress schedule and set the stage for renewing the party’s leadership.

Party officials view this process as a strategic move to shape the new leadership ahead of the 2028 elections.

The congress process is set to begin in October, with provincial congresses wrapping up by Ramadan Bayram, followed by the 8th Ordinary Grand Congress in May.

Recalling the delay in March 2021, the AK Party plans to hold its ordinary congress in 2025, a year later than the legal deadline due to the elections.

This congress will involve a reevaluation of the party’s national cadres, with President Erdogan expected to make changes in the party’s leadership and top team.