Former opposition leader Meral Aksener’s advisor denies vice presidency claims
Former leader of IYI Party Meral Aksener delivers a speech during the 5th Extraordinary Congress of IYI Party in Ankara, Türkiye on April 27, 2024. (AA Photo)
Meral Aksener, former leader of Türkiye’s Good Party (Iyi Parti), has retired from active politics, her advisor confirmed.
Speaking to Euronews Turkish, the advisor dismissed claims that Aksener is poised to become vice president as “completely false.”
“These claims are not even incorrect; they are entirely untrue. Ms. Aksener has retired from active politics,” the advisor stated. The official also clarified that Aksener has no plans for future political involvement, saying, “We do not have any such agenda.”
Rumors sparked by media speculation
The denial follows comments by journalist Fatih Portakal, who claimed during a broadcast on Sozcu TV that Aksener’s vice presidency had “almost been finalized.” Portakal speculated that Aksener could be included in a new Cabinet following the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) Feb. 23 congress, with a formal announcement in March.
Portakal’s remarks come after Aksener announced her decision not to seek reelection as Good Party leader during the party’s March 2024 congress.
Aksener officially stepped down from her role shortly afterward.
Political shifts and party tensions
Aksener’s retirement follows a period of turbulence within Good Party. Her meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in June 2024, lasting 40 minutes at the Presidential Complex, drew criticism from within the party.
No details of the discussion were disclosed, causing concerns among party members, including Ankara MP Koray Aydin, who publicly warned of a potential “major fracture” in the party if the meeting’s content was not clarified.
In the aftermath, the Good Party has seen significant defections to the ruling AK Party.
Five former Good Party MPs, including Ankara MP Kursad Zorlu, have joined the AK Party since the May 2023 elections. Zorlu, previously a spokesperson for Good Party, expressed gratitude to Erdogan during his formal acceptance into the AK Party earlier this month.
The Good Party’s parliamentary representation has dropped from 44 to 28 MPs, with 12 lawmakers now listed as independents.
AK Party prepares for major congress
Meanwhile, the AK Party is gearing up for its eighth Ordinary Congress, scheduled for Feb. 23, 2025. Ahead of the national event, provincial congresses are underway, including recent gatherings in Ankara and upcoming sessions in Izmir and Istanbul.
