After narrow referendum win, Erdogan shuffles cabinet to lay groundwork for elections
Turkey reshuffled its cabinet Wednesday by replacing or swapping 11 ministers as part of Erdogan’s plans aiming victory in 2019 elections, according to a local expert.
“This new cabinet will carry out preparations for elections in 2019,” daily Hurriyet columnist Abdulkadir Selvi said.
Erdogan stated that the ministers will outline a six- month road map to be better prepared for the 2019 presidential and parliamentary elections, in a bid to address problems concerning the economy and democracy.
2017 will be the year for strengthening party organization for Erdogan, and 2018 will be the year for the implementation of the government program to lay the ground for 2019 elections, Selvi noted.
Erdogan earlier complained of a “fatigue” within his party and voiced the necessity for rejuvenation.
A cabinet revision was expected after Erdogan regained the leadership of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party ( AKP) in a referendum in April 16 for constitutional amendments which abolish the office of the prime minister and empower the president.
Most of the constitutional changes will come into effect after the next general elections in 2019 and the president will be able to assume extended powers at that time.
Erdogan achieved a narrow win in an April referendum with nearly 51 percent support, so he sees a risk for upcoming presidential elections.
Therefore, he needs a strong and stable economic program and an enthusiastic team to lay the ground for a tough election period.
“This is a change of blood. Cabinet shuffle take place occasionally when a change is needed,” Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Wednesday.
Key ministries such as economy, finance, foreign affairs and interior remained unchanged.
Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, who has a respected reputation in the world of international financial markets and investors, has kept his seat, strengthening his position.
Former deputy prime minister Nuret- tin Canikli was appointed defense minister. Yildirim appointed former minister for justice Bekir Bozdag as deputy prime minister and he is also expected to be spokesperson for the government.
The Turkish government has blamed US- based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen for masterminding the plot and nearly 50,000 people suspected of links to the coup or Gulen have been arrested and almost 150,000 people dismissed from public service.