Erdoğan Replaces Justice and Interior Ministers in Cabinet Reshuffle. Why?
yerlikaya tunc
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan carried out a long-anticipated cabinet reshuffle overnight, replacing Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek was appointed justice minister, while Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi took over the interior portfolio. The move has triggered political debate, particularly over Gürlek’s promotion.
Official Gazette: “Requests for Dismissal” Accepted
According to the decree published in the Official Gazette, both Tunç and Yerlikaya requested to be relieved of their duties, and their requests were accepted.
However, in separate farewell messages posted on social media, neither minister explicitly mentioned seeking dismissal. Both thanked President Erdoğan and reflected on their time in office.
Yerlikaya said he was handing over the Interior Ministry to Mustafa Çiftçi, expressing gratitude to Erdoğan and to ministry staff for their service. Tunç emphasized his long-standing political journey within the ruling AK Party and thanked Erdoğan for entrusting him with the Justice Ministry in June 2023. He also congratulated Akın Gürlek on his appointment.
Akın Gürlek Appointed Justice Minister
Akın Gürlek, who most recently served as Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor, has been appointed justice minister.
Gürlek previously served as a judge and court president in Istanbul before being named deputy justice minister. In October 2024, he became Istanbul’s chief prosecutor. During his tenure, he oversaw several high-profile investigations, including cases involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) that drew significant public attention and criticism.
Reports in Ankara political circles had suggested for some time that Gürlek was seeking a cabinet position. His appointment now places him at the helm of the Justice Ministry at a time when debates over judicial independence remain prominent in Turkish politics.
Former Minister Tunc was considered ineffecitve, among in his own party. His removal is probably related to the Peace Process, which would require a stronger personality in the post to sort out delicate details of Ocalan’s right to hope and amnesties for PKK militants and convicts. Gurlek’s appointment may be a signal to the Islamist-conservative base that leniency for PKK will be limited and stricly controlled by an authoritarian name.
End of Yerlikaya’s Term at Interior Ministry
Ali Yerlikaya, who succeeded Süleyman Soylu as interior minister in 2023, had faced persistent speculation about his future in the cabinet.
Mustafa Çiftçi, the governor of Erzurum, was appointed as the new interior minister. Çiftçi had previously drawn attention in 2021 for attending a commemoration event that sparked political controversy.
Political observers had also reported tensions between Yerlikaya and some of his deputies in recent months, though no official explanation was given for the leadership change.
Also, his daily X postings about gang raids and asset confiscations raised negative reactions in AKP circles. Finally, he was believed to have sacked pro-AKP cops during his tenure. His rmeoval might be a sop to MHP.
Opposition Reaction
The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) sharply criticized Gürlek’s appointment.
CHP Deputy Chair Gül Çiftçi described the move as a “reward” for what she called politically motivated judicial operations against the party. Referring to investigations targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and opposition mayors, she argued that the judiciary had been used as a political instrument.
“This is not about one individual,” Çiftçi wrote on social media. “It is about a political regime constructed through the judiciary.”
The government has repeatedly rejected accusations of judicial politicization, maintaining that the courts operate independently.
Political Implications
The reshuffle comes amid heightened political tensions as Turkey moves closer to the next electoral cycle. While cabinet changes are not unusual in Erdoğan’s administration, replacing two key ministers simultaneously signals a potential recalibration within the government.
Whether the appointments will lead to substantive policy shifts—particularly in justice and internal security—remains to be seen.
