President Erdogan Appoints New Ministers
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a cabinet reshuffle, appointing new ministers to lead the Justice and Interior ministries. The changes, published in the Official Gazette, saw Akin Gurlek take over as Justice Minister, replacing Yilmaz Tunc, while Mustafa Ciftci was appointed Interior Minister, succeeding Ali Yerlikaya. The appointments were made on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
No official reason was provided for the shake-up, though the Official Gazette indicated that both former ministers, Yilmaz Tunc and Ali Yerlikaya, had 'requested to be relieved' of their duties. However, in separate social media farewell messages, neither minister explicitly stated they had sought dismissal, instead thanking President Erdogan and reflecting on their tenures.
New Justice Minister: Akin Gurlek
Akin Gurlek, the newly appointed Justice Minister, previously served as the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor. His career also includes a tenure as deputy justice minister from 2022 to 2024. Gurlek's appointment has drawn attention due to his involvement in high-profile cases. He has overseen trials against members of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), including the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Critics have suggested these prosecutions are politically motivated, a claim the government refutes, asserting the judiciary's independence.
New Interior Minister: Mustafa Ciftci
The new Interior Minister, Mustafa Ciftci, brings a background in regional administration to his new role. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Governor of Erzurum province since 2023. Born in Konya in 1970, Ciftci is a career bureaucrat who has held various positions, including district governorships in locations such as Gülağaç, Tekman, Derinkuyu, Adilcevaz, and Kaman. He also served as the Governor of Çorum and held strategic roles within the Interior Ministry and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
Broader Political Context
This cabinet reshuffle occurs at a significant time for Turkey, as the nation is engaged in discussions regarding potential constitutional reforms and is pursuing a peace initiative with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The changes are seen by some as a potential recalibration within the government as the country moves closer to its next electoral cycle. Rumors of political tensions between the former Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), an ally of the ruling AK Party, had also circulated prior to the reshuffle.
5 Comments
Raphael
Requested to be relieved? That's a transparent lie. More political purges and power consolidation.
Donatello
Gurlek is known for being tough on crime and corruption. Exactly what the Justice Ministry needs.
BuggaBoom
Fresh faces bring new energy. This reshuffle will boost government efficiency.
Loubianka
Gurlek's appointment is a clear attack on democracy. Politically motivated prosecutions will intensify.
Noir Black
Reshuffles are a normal part of political life in any country, often aimed at improving efficiency or strategy. However, the lack of clear, explicit reasons for the departures, coupled with the new Justice Minister's controversial past, inevitably leads to speculation about the true motives behind these appointments.