Erdogan replaces Turkey's justice and interior ministers in first cabinet reshuffle since 2023

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the replacement of Turkey's Justice and Interior ministers in a decree published in the Official Gazette early Tuesday. Akin Gurlek, the former Istanbul Chief Prosecutor, was appointed as the new Minister of Justice, succeeding Yilmaz Tunc. Gurlek is noted for overseeing investigations and arrests involving members of the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Mustafa Ciftci, the former Governor of Erzurum, was named Minister of Interior, replacing Ali Yerlikaya who had served in the role since June 4, 2023. While the government provided no official reason for the changes, CHP officials characterized Gurlek's appointment as a political reward for his previous legal actions against the opposition. This move marks the first cabinet reshuffle since the general elections held in mid-2023, coming shortly after midnight.