Former opposition leader Aksener’s saga in Turkish politics: What is she after?

Former IYI Party leader Meral Aksener’s scheduled meeting with her former arch-rival President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 5 sent shockwaves among the opposition camp.

Speaking to the Turkish publication Sozcu daily, IYI Party lawmaker Burak Akburak maintained that Aksener is ready to “serve the state.” 

Akburak, a close ally of former opposition leader Aksener, also highlighted that President Erdogan requested the meeting.

He said that”Aksener would evaluate if a vice presidency post is offered.” After Akburak’s statement sent shockwaves through Türkiye’s opposition camp, he refuted claims that President Erdogan had already offered the post to Aksener. However, he clarified that Aksener would not retreat from politics following her ouster as the party leader.

At the meeting, Aksener’s former chief-of-staff, Esma Bekar, spoke to TGRT Haber. Like Akburak, she said that no post in the state was offered to Aksener during the meeting. “The reactions following the Aksener-Erdogan meeting are shocking. Aksener met with the head of the state, not with the leader of a terror organization,” Bekar said.

What are other rumors?

Although details of the meeting remain unclear, Aksener’s silence has sparked speculation and triggered varied reactions within the IYI Party. After the meeting, discussions about the new constitution proposed by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) following the March 31 local elections have resurfaced. Speculations suggest that Erdogan might seek Aksener’s support for a new constitution initiative.

A new rumor is stirring the political scene about potentially establishing a new High Advisory Board. The current board is considered ineffective, prompting discussions about forming a new advisory body. There is speculation that Aksener might be invited to join this new board.

One of the implications of the Aksener-Erdogan meeting centers on the debate on “Members of Parliament (MP) transfers.” Some IYI Party members express concerns that the meeting could trigger more defections to the main opposition party – the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

Additionally, Aksener’s silence has fueled various other speculations. One rumor suggests that she met with Erdogan to request an ambassadorial position in Paris for her son. Earlier, Akburak refuted this claim, stating: “The allegations about asking for an ambassadorship for a family member are rubbish. Completely fabricated. No such offer was made during the meeting.”