AKP 8th Ordinary Grand Congress: Major Announcements and High Participation at Ankara Sports Hall

The AKP’s 8th Ordinary Grand Congress is underway at the Ankara Sports Hall with a large turnout. The venue saw party members arriving early in the morning, while security measures were increased to manage the crowd.

Erdoğan’s Pre-Congress Message
Before the congress officially started, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the crowd gathered at the entrance of the venue, stating, "We are here without any conflict or suspicion." Erdoğan added, “Together, we will open the doors to a new era,” signaling a message of change.

MKYK and MDK Lists Revealed
Among the most anticipated announcements at the congress were the lists for the AKP Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK) and Central Discipline Board (MDK). Notable names in the MKYK list included former İYİ Party members Kürşad Zorlu and Ünal Karaman, ex-footballer Mesut Özil, Osman Gökçek, and Serap Yazıcı from the Future Party, all of whom have joined AKP after resigning from their previous parties.

Increase in Vice-Chairman Positions
AKP Vice-Chairperson Hayati Yazıcı shared important changes to the party’s statutes, announcing the creation of three new vice-chairperson positions. These roles include: Vice-President for Relations with Turkish States, Vice-President for Health Policies, and Vice-President for Culture and Art Policies. As a result, the total number of AKP vice-chairpersons will rise from 16 to 19.

Abdullah Güler Appointed as Congress Chairman
During the congress, the Chairman and members of the Divan were elected. AKP Group Leader in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Abdullah Güler, was chosen as the Divan Chairman. Ali İhsan Yavuz was appointed as the Divan Vice-Chair, while other members included Istanbul Provincial Chair Abdullah Özdemir, Konya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, Istanbul MP Nilhan Ayan, Women’s Branch Chair Tuğba Işık Ercan, and Youth Branch Chair Yusuf İbiş.

Cabinet Reshuffle Expected
As the congress progresses with changes within the party structure, speculations about potential cabinet reshuffles are circulating. Political commentators suggest that Erdoğan’s message of transformation during the congress might be followed by a revision in the cabinet. Changes in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) might also occur by June.

MHP's Noteworthy Gift
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli sent a special floral arrangement to the congress, consisting of 1071 roses and 1453 carnations. According to the MHP, the flowers symbolize the Malazgirt Victory and the Conquest of Istanbul.

High Participation at the Congress
The AKP’s 8th Ordinary Grand Congress saw a wide array of political party representatives in attendance. Delegates from CHP, MHP, İYİ Party, Saadet Party, and other political groups followed the congress proceedings from a special section. Additionally, international guests were also invited to attend the event.