11.02.2026 10:21
With the decision published in the Official Gazette, Mustafa Çiftçi, who was appointed to the Ministry of Interior, has brought the street animal practices during his tenure as the Governor of Erzurum back into the spotlight, while attention is now focused on his steps in his new role.
Turkey woke up to the agenda of a cabinet change with the decision published in the Official Gazette at midnight. With the presidential decision, Mustafa Çiftçi, the Governor of Erzurum, was appointed as the Minister of Interior, and Akın Gürlek, the Chief Public Prosecutor of Istanbul, was appointed as the Minister of Justice. The handover in both ministries is expected to take place during the day.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW MINISTERS IS A MATTER OF CURIOUSITY
Following the revision in the cabinet, evaluations have begun based on the actions of the new names in their previous roles. Especially, the practices of Mustafa Çiftçi, who was appointed as the Minister of Interior, during his tenure as the Governor of Erzurum have come back to the agenda.
STREET ANIMALS INITIATIVE IN ERZURUM
Following the regulation that came into effect on August 2, 2024, which foresees the collection and rehabilitation of stray dogs, a rapid effort was initiated in Erzurum. The completion of shelters and the process of collecting stray animals were implemented in a short time. In a statement made on November 6, 2025, Mustafa Çiftçi announced that all stray street animals in the province had been collected and the number had been reduced to zero.
EYES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION ACROSS TURKEY
After the implementation in Erzurum, it has become a matter of curiosity how Çiftçi will carry out similar policies as the Minister of Interior across Turkey.