AKP's 8th Ordinary Grand Congress to Focus on Major Leadership Changes

The AKP's 8th Ordinary Grand Congress will be held on Sunday, February 23, at Ankara Sports Hall, under the theme "Adında AK, ışığında istikbal" (In its name AK, in its light the future). President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will participate as the sole candidate for the leadership. However, the most anticipated aspect of the congress is the potential reshuffling of party leadership positions. Erdoğan has hinted at changes within the party since the local elections, and these shifts are expected to be reflected in the congress.

Changes Within the Party
Whispers from political circles suggest significant changes to AKP's leadership structure during the congress. Erdoğan has mentioned that the changes within the party's organizational structure will also impact critical organs such as the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK). With the increasing weight of MPs in the MKYK, it is expected that several new members, including those who have recently joined the AKP from İYİ Party and the Future Party, will be included in the board.

Extensive Changes in the MYK
Further changes are expected within the Central Executive Committee (MYK), one of the most influential organs of the party. Erdoğan has suggested that some of the "party veterans" within the MYK will remain, but many members may be replaced. This reshuffling is aligned with Erdoğan's vision of rejuvenating the party by strengthening it with the energy and dynamism of younger members.

Cabinet Revamp Postponed
The changes within the party may also influence a cabinet revamp, but this is expected to be delayed. Sources indicate that some ministries may need restructuring and division, which means the cabinet changes may take place a few months later. Erdoğan has specifically mentioned plans to split certain ministries such as the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Group Vice Chair Elections
The elections for the Parliamentary Group Vice Chairs will also take place at the congress. However, some members of the parliamentary group leadership are expected to be integrated into the central administration or the cabinet. In such a case, partial changes in the group leadership may be expected.