Will Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Gürlek, who had İmamoğlu arrested, become the Minister of Justice?

Speculation Grows Over Akın Gürlek’s Future Role Amid İBB Investigations: Possible Justice Ministry Appointment

As the investigations into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) continue to intensify, speculation is mounting over the future role of Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek. According to reports from journalist Tolga Şardan in T24 and other sources, Gürlek is expected to be appointed to a more prominent position in Ankara after completing the terrorism-related case against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Rumors suggest that his next post may be within the Ministry of Justice.

Ongoing Investigations and Internal Frictions

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office recently launched the fifth wave of operations targeting CHP-run municipalities, based on testimony from previously arrested businessman Aziz İhsan Aktaş. These operations are part of a broader probe into the İBB.

However, the investigations have reportedly sparked tensions within the state apparatus. Behind closed doors, concerns have been raised about bureaucratic inefficiencies, coordination problems between Ankara and Istanbul, and disagreements between the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Istanbul Police Department.

Journalist Tolga Şardan highlighted in his latest article that these tensions are becoming a major topic of discussion within both judicial and law enforcement circles. A notable point of contention was the decision to involve the gendarmerie rather than the police in the third wave of operations — a move seen as symbolic of internal discord.

Gürlek’s Alleged Grievances

According to sources, Gürlek began relying on the gendarmerie after not receiving the level of support he had anticipated from the police intelligence services. There are claims that the Intelligence Department of the General Directorate of Security, based in Ankara, did not fully contribute to the investigation, prompting further friction.

In addition, Gürlek reportedly believes that sensitive information was leaked to İmamoğlu and his team during the course of the investigation. A leaked phone call transcript dated March 9 — ten days before the first arrests — appears to support this claim, though no formal investigation has been launched by the Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Security, or the Governor’s Office.

Cabinet Shakeup Expected After İmamoğlu Case

With the İBB investigation carrying significant political weight, its outcomes are expected to impact both the CHP and the ruling AKP. Observers anticipate that this case, along with broader security and judicial dynamics, will influence the cabinet reshuffle that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is rumored to be planning following the upcoming TBMM (Turkish Grand National Assembly) presidential election.

Among the ministers reportedly at risk of being replaced are Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Changes may also extend to the leadership of the General Directorate of Security, currently headed by Mahmut Demirtaş.

Speculation has also centered on Istanbul Governor Davut Gül as a possible successor to Yerlikaya.

Possible Successor and Timing

Should Akın Gürlek be appointed to the Ministry of Justice, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Can Tuncay is expected to replace him in Istanbul. It is believed that Tuncay’s recent omission from the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) appointment list was to keep him in position for this potential transition.

Political insiders suggest the expected cabinet reshuffle could be announced after Eid al-Adha, as President Erdoğan finalizes changes aimed at reinforcing party control and responding to internal and external political pressures.