ISTANBUL, Feb 11 (Bernama-dpa) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has appointed Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor, known for a series of high-profile prosecutions against political opponents, as justice minister, according to an official decree published on Wednesday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
Akın Gürlek replaces Yılmaz Tunç, according to a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette.
The move marks the first significant Cabinet shake-up since Erdoğan’s re-election in 2023.
During his tenure as Istanbul’s chief prosecutor, Gürlek oversaw numerous investigations into the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Most notably, his office handled cases against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu.
The appointment drew immediate fire from the opposition. CHP Deputy Chair Gül Çiftçi characterised the promotion as a political "reward", writing on X that the move signals a continued crackdown on dissent.
Erdoğan also named Governor Mustafa Çiftçi as the new Interior Minister, replacing Ali Yerlikaya.
The Cabinet reshuffle is seen by analysts as a consolidation of power, signalling a tougher stance against the opposition ahead of the presidential vote scheduled for 2028.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
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