AKP DISTRICT MAYOR REMOVED FROM OFFICE
Ahmet Sungur, the AKP mayor of Yahşihan in Kırıkkale, who was arrested on charges of extortion, has been removed from office.
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
COMMISSION DISCUSSES PUBLIC SUPPORT, PREPARES TO DRAFT PROPOSALS
The Parliament’s National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission listened to think-tankers and pollsters to test the ground for public support for the peace process. The 12th meeting of the commission established in the wake of PKK’s decision to disband and lay down arms took it to 50 days of work completed to date. The commission is now preparing to shift to drafting proposals in October.
RENEWED FOCUS ON YAVAŞ’S CANDIDACY AMID ATTACKS
The Ankara Municipality became the latest target of the crackdown against CHP-run municipalities, and CHP Chair Özgür Özel once again started highlighting Mayor Mansur Yavaş’s presidential candidacy. “Mansur Yavaş is seen as the strongest possible candidate if Ekrem İmamoğlu cannot run for presidency. Polls show he would beat (Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan,” Özel said. “It is clear that Yavaş is also being targeted with the same intent.”
PROMISES MADE, GAZA AVOIDED
The first meeting in six years between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House started with positive messages, as both refrained from directly addressing the issue of Gaza, on which they are at odds.Trump suggested the U.S. could lift sanctions on Turkey and allow it to buy U.S. F-35 jets, blocked due to Turkey’s procurement of S-400s from Russia, but added that he would like to see Turkey - a NATO member - stop buying Russian oil while the war in Ukraine continues. 'I'd like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine.'
ELECTION BOARD STANDS FIRM, SAYS CONGRESS CANNOT BE HALTED
The High Election Council (YSK) reaffirmed its authority on Sept. 24, rejecting a civil court ruling that sought to halt the CHP’s Istanbul Provincial Congress just minutes before it began.In response to the 45th Civil Court of First Instance's last-minute suspension order, the YSK convened urgently and issued a clear statement: “A congress already in progress cannot be stopped.”
DISMISSAL SPREE IN ERDOĞAN’S AKP AS EIGHT PROVINCIAL CHAIRS REMOVED
In just three days, eight provincial heads from Turkey’s ruling AKP have been dismissed by party leadership — a sweeping move that underscores ongoing internal restructuring efforts.
TURKEY’S MAIN OPPOSITION CHP, ERDOĞAN’S CHIEF CHALLENGER, SEEKS LEGAL SHIELD THROUGH CONGRESS
Turkey’s main opposition party, the CHP, is convening an extraordinary congress today in a bid to resolve ongoing legal challenges stemming from vote-buying allegations tied to its 2023 ordinary congress. CHP Chair Özgür Özel, who took the party’s helm during that same 2023 congress, is expected to reaffirm his leadership for the third time. No challenger is anticipated.
RESIGNATION SPREE IN ERDOĞAN’S AKP AS SEVEN PROVINCIAL CHAIRS STEP DOWN
In just three days, seven provincial heads from Turkey’s ruling AKP have announced their resignations, each expressing loyalty to the party and its leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
MUCH-ANTICIPATED ERDOĞAN–TRUMP MEETING CONFIRMED
U.S. President Donald Trump will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the White House on Sept. 25, shortly after both leaders attend the UN General Assembly in New York. Their talks are expected to focus on defense and trade, including Boeing aircraft sales, a major F-16 package, and the potential revival of discussions on the suspended F-35 program.
THE SWORD AND AUDI OF ALİ ERBAŞ
Religious Affairs Directorate head Ali Erbaş’s term has come to an end. He held the post for eight years. In other words, during the last eight years of the ruling party’s 23-year tenure, Turkey’s religious life was under Erbaş’s administration. Heads of the directorate, known as the Diyanet in Turkish, have always been subjects of debate, but Erbaş has been at the very peak of this controversy.
PEACE PROCESS NEARS FIRST ANNIVERSARY: DISTRUST PERSISTS
Following the PKK’s dissolution and decision to lay down arms, the Parliamentary Commission on Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy has completed 45 days of work. Having met 11 times, the commission will discuss a “Return Home Law” once parliament reopens on Oct. 1.
SCREENWRITER DETAINED, SERIES CENSORED AS TURKISH FAMILY VALUES TAKE CENTER STAGE
Merve Göntem, screenwriter of the popular TV series Kızılcık Şerbeti (Cranberry Sorbet), was detained at her home in Istanbul’s Cihangir district over comments made during a YouTube interview four years ago.