12.02.2026 16:50
AK Party Deputy Chairman Hasan Basri Yalçın spoke about the interpretation of the changes in the Ministries of Justice and Interior as "preparations for early elections." Yalçın stated that the changes are not preparations for early elections and that it is natural for governments to make cabinet revisions from time to time based on needs.
AK Party Deputy Chairman and Human Rights President Prof. Dr. Hasan Basri Yalçın made comprehensive evaluations regarding the agenda on the local joint broadcast "Anatolia Asks".
In the program moderated by the General Editor of Millet News Agency, Sinan Burhan, Kanal Fırat General Editor Zeki Akbıyık and Millet News Agency Ankara Representative Çetin Altan also participated.
During the live broadcast, while discussing critical topics on the agenda, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Human Rights President Prof. Dr. Hasan Basri Yalçın answered journalists' questions and provided evaluations on party activities, organizational activities, and current political developments.
The program addressed issues such as tensions in the Parliament, changes in the Ministries of Justice and Interior, allegations of early elections, criticisms towards the CHP leadership, the fight against terrorism, human rights discussions, family policies, and the economy.
"TRYING TO PREVENT THE MINISTER'S OATH IS NOT LEGAL"
Speaking about the discussions that occurred during the oath-taking ceremony of newly appointed ministers in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Yalçın argued that the CHP has recently exhibited a behavior that increases tension in the Parliament. Reminding that the ministers' oath-taking in the Parliament after appointments made by the President is a constitutional procedure, Yalçın stated that while the opposition has the right to criticize, attempts to physically obstruct this process cannot be accepted.
"Criticism can be made, discussions can be held; the Parliament exists for this purpose. However, trying to prevent a minister from taking an oath, such as surrounding the podium, harms the reputation of the Parliament," Yalçın said, expressing that the AK Party is the majority party in the Parliament and they will not allow such an attempt.
Yalçın also evaluated the physical tensions experienced in the Parliament, claiming that the incidents arose from provocative actions.
"DID MAHMUT TANAL COME TO GIVE FLOWERS?"
Yalçın criticized the opposition harshly through the discussions in the Parliament, emphasizing that the Turkish Grand National Assembly is the "Gazi Assembly" and that the prestige of this institution must be preserved. Reminding that ministers start their duties by taking an oath within a constitutional process, Yalçın stated that trying to prevent a minister's oath-taking is unacceptable and argued that the Parliament is being attempted to be turned into a "show area".
Stating that he has no direct knowledge of claims that some CHP members shook hands with ministers while protesting in the front, Yalçın expressed that he would not be surprised if this had occurred. He suggested that there are a few individuals frequently coming to the agenda with provocations in the Parliament, and regarding the physical altercation and claims that Mahmut Tanal's nose was broken, he held the opposition responsible by saying, "If you come to start a fight, there will be consequences"; he noted that no one came to the Parliament to "give flowers" and that the party raising the tension should also bear the consequences.
"THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE IS A POLITICAL OFFICE"
Responding to criticisms that the new Minister of Justice's past as a prosecutor would lead to "politicization of the judiciary," Yalçın pointed out that the Ministry of Justice is already a political office.
Yalçın opposed the interpretation that the new Minister of Justice's past as a chief prosecutor would mean "the judiciary will become even more politicized," reminding that the previous minister came directly from politics, and if there is to be a criticism of politicization, it should have been raised at that time. Emphasizing that the current minister comes from the justice bureaucracy, Yalçın argued that the CHP labels every appointment or judicial process that does not suit them as "politicization," and that individuals in various positions, from prosecutors to judges and teachers to village heads, are also faced with similar accusations, stating that this approach undermines public trust in institutions.
"IT IS NOT RIGHT TO PREEMPTIVELY POLITICIZE INVESTIGATIONS"
Addressing the investigations conducted regarding the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), Yalçın claimed that the opened files progress within legal processes, not for political motives. He stated that it is not correct to label any investigation initiated against a public institution or municipality in Turkey as a direct "political operation," expressing that judicial authorities act based on reports, inspection reports, or concrete findings. "When an investigation begins, immediately saying 'it has become politicized' means making the functioning of the judiciary questionable from the outset," Yalçın said, noting that legal processes are carried out by courts and that the final decision will also be made by an independent judiciary.
Yalçın stated that it is natural for files concerning metropolitan municipalities to resonate more in the public eye, but this does not change the nature of the investigation. He emphasized that the files related to the IBB should not be evaluated under the shadow of political discussions, stating, "If there is an allegation, this allegation is investigated within the law. If there is a crime, there will be a penalty; if not, there will be an acquittal. Instead of politicizing the process, we should wait for the judiciary's decision," he added. Yalçın argued that the opposition's labeling every step as political pressure undermines public trust in institutions, emphasizing that what is essential in a rule of law is evidence, procedure, and court decisions.
RESPONSE TO EARLY ELECTION ALLEGATIONS
Yalçın also addressed the interpretation of the changes in the Ministries of Justice and Interior as "preparations for early elections," stating that these assessments are speculative and lack concrete basis. He noted that it is natural for cabinet revisions to be made from time to time based on needs in governments, expressing that directly associating this with the political calendar is not a correct analysis.
"Ministerial changes are made according to needs. Changes have occurred in different periods before as well. It is not healthy to read every cabinet arrangement as a sign of early elections," Yalçın said, adding that such steps can sometimes be taken for the effectiveness of the executive and the efficiency of public services.
Yalçın also reminded that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli made clear statements regarding the election calendar, emphasizing that the current constitutional process is functioning and that elections should be held on time. He argued that the opposition is trying to create a political atmosphere by constantly keeping the early election discourse on the agenda, stating that the government's focus is not on elections but on the economy, security, and reform issues. "The issue that Turkey is currently focused on is producing services and solving problems. Keeping election discussions alive should not overshadow the real agenda," he stated.
CRITICISMS TOWARDS ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
During the program, the recent statements of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel and developments within the party were also discussed. Yalçın criticized Özel's leadership performance, arguing that the opposition is trying to stay relevant with harsh statements instead of producing strategies.
While criticizing Özel's leadership performance, Yalçın claimed that the opposition is more focused on staying relevant through harsh statements and is trying to attract public attention with provocative remarks instead of producing concrete strategies. According to Yalçın, such statements reveal a serious weakness in the CHP's approach to politics and are dragging the party into a serious management crisis.
CRISIS IN CHP AND "ADOLESCENT ATTITUDE" CRITICISM
Yalçın also touched upon the mayoral crisis in the CHP and the messages reflected on social media, asserting that the party management has not been able to manage the process in a healthy and planned manner. He emphasized that the shares and discussions made on social media are indicators of a lack of coordination and adolescent attitudes within the party. "Some statements are not just words spoken with a clear mind. There seems to be an effort to create an agenda with adolescent attitudes," he pointed out, highlighting the communication and discipline deficiencies within the party.
Yalçın also noted that the CHP has experienced similar leadership discussions in the past, stating that the party places high expectations on new chairpersons initially, only to later criticize them harshly, which he argued hinders the party's long-term strategy development. He expressed that the opposition is more preoccupied with crisis management and public shows. "Every new chairman is first exalted and then criticized harshly. This is an indication of the immature political culture within the party," he assessed.
Yalçın stated that the situation the CHP is in is not just a leadership issue, but also a reflection of the uncertainty and lack of coordination within the party base, claiming that the opposition has not been able to present a serious vision that would create trust in society. Through Özel's statements, Yalçın argued that the CHP has been conducting politics almost exclusively through "personal disputes and agenda manipulation" for a long time.
DISCUSSION OF MAYORS' PROFANITY AND RESIGNATION
Yalçın drew attention to the problems experienced with mayors in the CHP, asserting that the party management has exhibited a repressive attitude during this process. He noted that interventions limiting the independent decision-making abilities of some mayors and excessive dependence on central management have created discomfort within the party base.
Yalçın pointed out the behaviors exhibited by some CHP mayors during their terms, stating that these individuals had to resign due to the use of profane expressions that sparked public debate. He argued that this situation reveals the deficiencies in the party's discipline and management understanding, expressing that the mayors' actions, detached from a sense of responsibility, have both shaken internal trust and led to a loss of reputation among voters. He also stated that these incidents highlight the CHP's issues of "leadership vacuum and lack of coordination," emphasizing that the party management's inability to foresee similar crises and respond quickly has created a negative perception in the public.
STAGNATION AND INTERNAL PRESSURES UNDER ÖZEL'S LEADERSHIP
While evaluating Özel's leadership performance, he expressed that the chairman has been "stagnating" due to recent statements and deficiencies in internal communication. Yalçın argued that the CHP has not been able to develop a clear strategy in the current situation, wasting time on constant debates and public agenda manipulations instead of managing crises. He emphasized that this situation deepens coordination problems within the party and creates unnecessary pressure on mayors, stating that Özel's leadership style has distanced the party from producing effective politics both internally and externally.
"A MAYOR SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURED FOR MAKING A CHOICE"
Yalçın also addressed the discussions surrounding Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş, asserting that the incident is directly related to the ideological and cultural attitudes within the CHP. He claimed that the mayor has faced various reactions due to her headscarf and that this situation is connected to the attitudes of some party officials or the base. "A mayor should not be criticized or pressured for making her choice within the framework of fundamental rights and freedoms," Yalçın stated, arguing that some individuals within the CHP have turned this situation into a topic of discussion that would harm the party.
The headscarf discussions that emerged through the Mihalgazi Mayor have reopened long-standing ideological tensions in Turkish politics. Yalçın emphasized that it is unacceptable for mayors to be pressured by party management or higher-ups due to their beliefs and preferences. In this context, he raised allegations that some mayors have been subjected to actual or psychological pressure while carrying out their duties due to ideological or religious practices.
"THEY HATE NOT WOMEN BUT ANATOLIA"
Yalçın also pointed out that such situations within the party remind one of the past February 28 process and emphasized that despite claims of having ended the February 28 period, similar practices still exist in some areas. He stressed that these types of practices within the party are not just a current issue but also remind one of the negative traces of the February 28 process. Despite claims of having ended the February 28 period, Yalçın noted that similar practices still exist in some areas, particularly highlighting that some politicians exhibit a prejudiced attitude not only towards women but also towards Anatolian identity and values. "They hate not women, but Anatolia," he stated, arguing that the elitist approach and cultural prejudices within the party have led to serious problems both in local administrations and party policies. He indicated that this situation has resulted in the disregard of religious and cultural preferences, such as the headscarf, in management decisions and has created pressure on local representatives.
"THE TERROR ISSUE IN TURKEY HAS GREATLY COME TO AN END"
Speaking on the topic of combating terrorism, Yalçın stated that the threat of terrorism within Turkey's borders has largely been eliminated. He conveyed that citizens no longer have security concerns during regional visits, and mentioned that there is a significant difference between past practices and the current situation. Yalçın, who said, "Turkey is not the Turkey of the 90s. It is no longer a country where results can be achieved through violence. Our goal is a Turkey without terrorism," noted that developments beyond the borders have also contributed to this process.
Regarding the reports prepared in the Parliament related to terrorism and possible legal regulations, Yalçın stated that they expect the process to progress through political consensus. He emphasized that the complete disarmament is the main objective.
"FREEDOM SPACES IN THIS COUNTRY HAVE EXPANDED DURING THE AK PARTY PERIOD"
Responding to the opposition's criticisms regarding human rights and democracy, Yalçın argued that significant reforms have been implemented during the AK Party period.
Yalçın cited the lifting of the headscarf ban, the end of restrictions on the Kurdish language, and the increased visibility of different groups in the public sphere as examples, stating, "Freedom spaces in this country have expanded during the AK Party period."
Yalçın also criticized international human rights indices, claiming that some reports were prepared with political biases, and expressed that Turkey should be compared with its own internal dynamics and history.
FAMILY POLICIES ON THE AGENDA
Yalçın announced that a large-scale "Family Summit" will be held at the AK Party Headquarters on February 17. He stated that the meeting will address global threats to family structure, social policies, and protection mechanisms, and mentioned that academics, politicians, and civil society representatives will participate in the program.
ECONOMY AND RETIREES
In his evaluations regarding the economy, Yalçın noted that combating inflation is the government's top priority. He expressed that they are aware of the demands of retirees and stated that steps will be taken to increase purchasing power.
"Just as we overcame economic difficulties before, we will overcome this as well. Reducing inflation is our primary goal. After that, we want to increase the welfare of our citizens along with growth," he said.