Ruling AK Party gears up for change, leading to resignation of many provincial and district heads

President and chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has initiated a significant restructuring process within the party, leading to the resignation of many provincial and district heads.

This organizational renewal is scheduled to be completed by the next party congress.

Following the AK Party’s underwhelming performance in recent local elections, the party’s leadership, under Erdogan’s directive, is expediting its restructuring efforts.

The AK Party administration has devised various strategies regarding the congress schedule, concluding that holding the congress in 2025 is the most appropriate course of action. Meanwhile, the renewal of provincial and district leadership has already begun.

Despite Erdogan’s announcement of a “change of guard” at party meetings after the local elections, no significant changes have been made to the party’s top leadership. Erdogan appears to prefer initiating this change from the grassroots level.

As part of this effort, the provincial heads of Rize, Adıyaman, and Batman were instructed to resign before the holiday.

There are dissenting voices within the party regarding this grassroots approach, but the AK Party leadership believes that starting from the bottom and working upward will invigorate the party’s base.

AK Party officials, recalling Erdogan’s statement that “those who do not pass the voters’ test cannot earn our approval,” indicate that a comprehensive overhaul is imminent, especially in provinces where the party lost elections.

Sources reveal the AK Party aims to complete the renewal process within the organization by the time of the congress. The party is meticulously planning the replacement of outgoing provincial and district heads.

It is also reported that Erdogan is personally evaluating potential new leaders with trusted associates and close advisors to ensure they align with his vision and confidence.