19.05.2026 12:21
AK Party Deputy Chairman for Publicity and Media Faruk Acar spoke to journalist İsmail Saymaz. Responding to the controversies surrounding Eser Yenenler and the "Wandering Kid" at the "Youth Festival" program, Acar said, "One should ask Eser Yenenler: why did he want to be present at AK Party's event?" Regarding a social media figure who mocked Emine Erdoğan being brought to the stage, he stated, "Yes, there was a faulty move there."
AK Party Deputy Chairman for Promotion and Media Faruk Acar made statements regarding the discussions that came to the agenda after the "Youth Festival Program" organized by AK Party Youth Branches in Kocaeli. The fact that Eser Yenenler hosted the program and Elif Akçivi, known on social media as "Gezen Oğlak" (The Walking Kid), took the stage, caused widespread repercussions in the public.
"ONE SHOULD ASK ESER YENENLER HIMSELF"
Responding to questions from İsmail Saymaz of Halk TV, Faruk Acar addressed criticisms about Eser Yenenler's participation in the program with the following words:
"One should ask Eser Yenenler himself. Why did he want to be in the AK Party's program? Back then, he said 'Everything will be great,' so why did he want to host an AK Party program today?"
When Saymaz said, "Maybe it was for a fee," Acar replied, "It's possible. No problem. Maybe back then there was also a ground that supported a fee; I don't know. I don't want to intrude on anyone's rights."
"A COMPLETELY PROFESSIONAL PROCESS"
Acar also responded to evaluations regarding Yenenler's past support for Ekrem İmamoğlu. Stating that the process is evaluated within a professional, not political, framework, Acar said:
"This is not something we approach based on the format of Yenenler supporting İmamoğlu. It is a completely professional process. Our youth branches made a decision to engage with young people and manage that language; they came and consulted us. It was deemed appropriate within the common framework."
"THERE WAS A FAULTY MOVE THERE"
The past posts of content creator Elif Akçivi, who presented a painting to President Erdoğan at the program, regarding Emine Erdoğan also sparked controversy. Speaking on the matter, Faruk Acar stated that the situation was an oversight and used the following expressions:
"Yes, there was a faulty move there. The presence of someone who had mocked the First Lady was an oversight. If it had been detected—let alone mockery, if we had sensed the slightest implication—our youth branches would have done what was necessary. Ultimately, I am looking at the criticisms made since yesterday. 'Why did you bring Eser Yenenler, are these artists suitable?' There are artists from all walks of life; the youth were pleased. The atmosphere was enthusiastic."
"OUR BASE IS RIGHT TO BE ANGRY"
Stating that Elif Akçivi gave a painting to President Erdoğan, Acar expressed that the reactions from the party base were justified.
"She made a request, and we approved it. Our youth branches made a decision. It was something spontaneous. Is our base right to be angry? Absolutely right. One gets angry at this, so be it. A situation like this may have occurred regarding the protection of the First Lady's sensitivities. We posted asking, 'How was this not noticed?' They said, 'Mr. Chairman, there was no award given; the girl just gave her painting.' If only it had been noticed; we would not have allowed it."