Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has appointed Akin Gürlek, a controversial prosecutor from Istanbul, as the new Minister of Justice. The decision was officially announced via the country's official gazette, but no specific reason was provided for this cabinet reshuffle. Gürlek's appointment has elicited criticism from the opposition, particularly from CHP deputy chair Gül Ciftci, who described it as a 'clear reward' for Gürlek's actions against their party. Gürlek takes over from former Minister Yilmaz Tunc, indicating a shift in Erdoğan's administrative strategy amidst rising tensions with opposition factions.

Gürlek has been known for his aggressive actions against the largest opposition party, the CHP, since being named chief prosecutor in 2024. His tenure has seen numerous investigations launched against prominent opposition figures, including the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu. These actions have led to the arrests of hundreds of CHP members and elected officials, fueling further outrage and accusations of political persecution from the opposition parties. Critics claim that such moves are indicative of Erdoğan's broader campaign to consolidate power and undermine democratic institutions in Turkey.

The appointment of Gürlek and the resignation of interior minister Ali Yerlikaya, replaced by Erzurum governor Mustafa Ciftci, underscore the current administration's approach to governance, which many perceive as increasingly authoritarian. As tensions rise within the political landscape, the implications of these appointments could have far-reaching effects on Turkish democracy and the opposition's ability to operate freely. The ruling party's response to dissent remains a critical point of consideration as they navigate both national and international scrutiny regarding Turkey's political climate.