06.04.2026 15:34
AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala, after stating that "there is no election on our agenda" regarding the "by-election" proposal of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, said, "What has the CHP done with the normal elections that they would do something in a by-election? Is there a CHP municipality in Turkey that can be taken as an example? The CHP is only producing scandals in municipalities. The local administrations of the CHP have completely become a center for scandal production."
AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala answered questions from journalists, including Haberler.com Ankara Representative Şerife Güzel, during the Anadolu conversations organized by the Turkish Press Federation.
“WE HAVE BUILT PHYSICAL HIGHWAYS, NOW IT'S TIME FOR POLITICAL HIGHWAYS”
Efkan Ala evaluated the new constitution studies with the words, “We have built physical highways, now it's time for political highways.” Stating that the first phase of the AK Party's new constitution studies is largely completed, Efkan Ala said, “We invite the parties to contribute. We say let’s gather around a table. We are coming not with an agenda but with a method and a proposal.”
“50+1 WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE TABLE”
Regarding the definition of citizenship and system revision, Efkan Ala stated, “If we really want to achieve results, we must first agree on the method. The method needs to be discussed first. There is no table yet; the table has not been set up. It is very valuable to agree on the method before doing anything. If something is said from the beginning, you will have destroyed the table.” He noted that opposition parties have expressed different proposals regarding 50 + 1 and system changes, and if a table is set up, that would be the place to discuss those proposals.
In response to a question about what majority decisions would be made in constitutional discussions if the parties form a commission, AK Party Deputy Chairman Ala said, “We care about the representation of every thought, decisions being made by majority, and obtaining the consent of those in the minority. Some articles are decided by unanimity, some by qualified majority, and some by simple majority.”
“IF THE ASSEMBLY DECIDES, THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH ERDOĞAN'S CANDIDACY”
Efkan Ala emphasized that there is no discussion about Erdoğan being a candidate for president again, stating, “If the Assembly decides on early elections, he can run again without any need for another change. Therefore, we do not need a discussion on this matter. Both we and the People's Alliance agree on our president taking on leadership for another term. We do not have such a discussion. We cannot speak on behalf of our president, but he does not shy away from the service the country needs. The context in which the country finds itself is clear. We are surrounded by a ring of fire. Leader diplomacy has come to the forefront. Our president's leadership has become very prominent,” he said.
“THERE IS NO ELECTION ON OUR AGENDA”
Ala also stated regarding the possibility of early elections, “Right now, there is no election on our agenda. This includes by-elections.”
“CHP HAS BECOME A SCANDAL PRODUCTION CENTER”
Evaluating the proposal for by-elections made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel in this context, Ala said, “What has CHP done with the normal election it won, and what will it do in a by-election? Is there a CHP municipality in Turkey that can be taken as an example? Does CHP have an idea that can be showcased in the center? When the time comes, we will go to the people. CHP is only producing scandals in municipalities. CHP's local administrations have completely become a scandal production center. There is also desertification in central governance. There is political stagnation.”
ARE AK PARTY MEMBERS BEING PROTECTED?
In response to the claim that “only CHP municipalities are being targeted, AK Party members are not being targeted,” Efkan Ala replied:
“When a news comes out, you hear that in the AK Party, ‘an investigation has been opened against the relevant person, they have been referred to discipline.’ Our people can also commit crimes. We first start an investigation and then refer them to discipline. In CHP, they are first defended. Then, when pressure comes, an investigation is opened. A systematic corruption scheme has been established in CHP.”
“TURKEY IS PROGRESSING AT THE REQUIRED PACE WITHOUT TERROR”
Responding to questions about when legal regulations regarding a terror-free Turkey will be introduced, AK Party Deputy Chairman Ala said:
“We are managing a very sensitive process. The process is continuing as we anticipated when we started. I can say that the process is continuing in line with principles without any setbacks. There are many reasons to be hopeful. The process is going as we expected. It is progressing at the required pace. Our security units and intelligence units are conducting their work and discussions. They will determine their needs. According to evaluations and demands, the Assembly will take the necessary steps. Some of these are administrative, and some are legal regulations. There are tasks to be done, decisions to be made, and regulations to be established, and they are being carried out in the meantime. We are progressing step by step. The process should not be sacrificed to populism or provocation.”
“THE REGION IS A RING OF FIRE”
Efkan Ala emphasized that the ongoing Israel/US-Iran war highlights the importance of Turkey's theses, stating, “It has been seen how important a terror-free Turkey is. The organizations used in the proxy war are also becoming a bit more aware. Turkey has made serious efforts to end proxy wars. Turkey will play a very central role with the initiative and diplomatic efforts it has taken from here. Yes, with both visible and invisible contributions from Turkey, the awareness of proxy forces has increased. Turkey has pursued a peaceful foreign policy. It has been present at every table. It has tried to take initiative either directly or indirectly. Negotiations are being conducted through Pakistan; it has not yet reached a conclusion, but we hope it will. It is clear that the US-Iran war cannot continue for a long time. It is not a sustainable war for anyone. There are many losers in this war, and no winners.”