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Erdogan Replaces Interior and Justice Ministers in Overnight Reshuffle

Istanbul chief prosecutor appointed justice minister amid ongoing prosecutions of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan carried out a mini cabinet reshuffle shortly after midnight on Monday, replacing the ministers of interior and justice.

According to a decree published in Turkey’s official gazette and signed by Erdoğan at one minute past midnight, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc were removed from their posts.

Mustafa Ciftci, governor of Erzurum, was appointed as the new interior minister. The post of justice minister was assigned to Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gurlek, who has played a leading role in prosecutions against opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu.

New justice minister linked to high profile cases

Gurlek’s appointment is expected to draw attention given his involvement in cases targeting Imamoglu, a prominent figure in Turkey’s opposition and a key political rival of Erdoğan.

The reshuffle comes at a sensitive political moment, as Turkey navigates both domestic political tensions and diplomatic engagements abroad.

Departing ministers issue statements

In a post on X, outgoing Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, who had been scheduled to participate in the Greece–Turkey High Level Cooperation Council later on Tuesday, announced he was handing over his duties.

“With the approval and appreciation of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, I hand over my duties as Minister of Interior, which I assumed on 4 June 2023, to my esteemed brother Mustafa Ciftci,” Yerlikaya wrote. He thanked Erdogan for his support and expressed gratitude to ministry staff for their service to “the peace and security of our country”.

Former Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc also issued a statement, saying that serving alongside Erdoğan had always been a source of pride. He referred to his long career within the ruling AK Party, including roles as founding provincial chair, member of parliament, chair of the parliamentary justice committee and deputy parliamentary group leader.

Tunc said his appointment as justice minister in June 2023 had deepened his sense of responsibility to serve the nation and the state. He added that he would continue to work “with the same enthusiasm as on the first day” for what he described as the “Turkish Century”.

He wished Akin Gurlek success in his new role as justice minister.

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