Minister of Internal Affairs Mustafa Çiftçi shared traffic data for the first 5 months of 2025 and 2026. Minister Çiftçi announced that despite the increased inspections in traffic, there have been significant decreases in violations, accidents and deaths. According to the announced data, inspections across the country increased by 7.5 percent, reaching 74 million. Despite the increase in inspections, the number of vehicles processed decreased by 16.4 percent, as the number of drivers complying with the rules increased. Thanks to traffic regulations and deterrent penalties, excessive speed violations decreased by 25 percent and drunk driving decreased by 10.3 percent. The most striking decrease was seen in the violation of scissors, with 93 percent. Stating that motorcycle accidents constitute 50 percent of all accidents, Minister Çiftçi stated that fatal accidents in this area decreased by 20.1 percent. In the overall picture, the number of accidents with death and injury decreased to 102 thousand 152. While the daily average loss of life in accidents decreased from 5.8 to 5.2, the number of deaths at the scene of the accident decreased from 575 to 504. Minister Çiftçi emphasized that this positive situation is due to drivers complying with the rules more.

The “Istanbul Doesn’t Wait” campaign, implemented by the AK Party Istanbul Provincial Directorate, reached large audiences in a short time. With the posters prepared for the campaign, ongoing investments and services in Istanbul, from urban transformation to transportation, from education to health, from youth investments to environmental projects, were shared with the public. AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir stated that the main message of the campaign is the understanding of “We did it yesterday, we are doing it today” and pointed out that investments continue in Istanbul. He stated that 994 thousand houses have been transformed since 2019, the transformation of 270 thousand houses continues and 1 million 260 thousand more houses are included in the scope of transformation. Stating that 163 schools and 3 thousand 798 classrooms have been completed within the scope of education investments, and the construction of 159 schools and 3 thousand 913 classrooms is continuing, Özdemir said that 13 hospitals with a capacity of 8 thousand 238 beds have been put into service in the field of health. Stating that 13 facilities were completed within the scope of sports investments, Özdemir stated that 35 national gardens with an area of ​​7 million 788 thousand square meters were opened within the framework of environmental investments.

CONTINUE WITH THE SAME VISION
“Istanbul is the apple of our civilization’s eye. This city cannot tolerate neglect,” said Özdemir, adding, “You can keep polemics waiting, advertisements waiting, but you cannot keep the earthquake, transportation and the future of our young people waiting. As the AK Party, we continue to work for Istanbul with all the institutions of our state, just like yesterday. The municipal vision that our President started in Istanbul continues on its way with the same determination today.”

The purification process in CHP, which started with 9 deputies and 2 mayors last week, spread to provincial mayors this week. A total of 6 former and current provincial heads whose names were involved in the question were referred to discipline. In addition, 5 provincial presidents were removed from their positions. Özgür Çelik, known for his closeness to the detained Ekrem İmamoğlu, was also among those who were referred to discipline. Asu Kaya, who made a statement in support of the prisoner Özkan Yalım, who was arrested with his girlfriend in the hotel, was dismissed from her position as the head of the women’s branch. Ayten Gülsever was appointed to replace Kaya. CHP Spokesperson Müslim Sarı, who appeared in front of the cameras after the 2.5-hour critical Central Executive Board yesterday, announced that 6 provincial presidents, 3 former and 3 current, were sent to discipline as a precaution and with a request for definitive expulsion. It was emphasized that the names in question were referred to discipline on the grounds that they were at the center of questionable allegations in the absolute nullity case. In addition to the transfers, 5 provincial presidents who drew attention with their opposition to the headquarters were dismissed from their positions along with their administrations. Meanwhile, CHP Istanbul Deputy Nimet Özdemir announced that she resigned from her party. In addition, the notarized signatures collected from 830 delegates requesting an extraordinary congress of the CHP were delivered to the headquarters yesterday.

THOSE REFERRED TO DISCIPLINARY

Erzurum Provincial Chairman Serhat Can Eş.

Bursa Provincial Chairman Nihat Yeşiltaş.

Bitlis Provincial Chairman Metin Güzelkaya.

Former Mardin Provincial Chairman Mehmet Kılıçarslan.

Former Istanbul Provincial Chairman Özgür Çelik.

Batman Provincial Chairman Hüseyin Yaşar.

DISMISSED

Gaziantep Provincial Chairman Vakkas Acar.

Adana Provincial Chairman Anıl Tanburoğlu.

Malatya Provincial Chairman Barış Yıldız.

Ankara Provincial Deputy Chairman Yüksel Işık.

Izmir Provincial Chairman Çağatay Güç.

CHP Women’s Branch President Asu Kaya.

The additional statement given by journalist Evrim Ataman, who was arrested in the ‘bribery’ operation against the CHP’s Seferihisar Municipality in Izmir last month, took advantage of effective repentance and revealed the bribery network extending to CHP Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba. In his statement, Ataman explained that Deputy Mayor İbrahim Gökhan Pehlivan asked the owner of the villas known as “Ionya Mansions” for a bribe of 6 million lira through him, and admitted that he sent the 500 thousand TL, which the contractor’s son sent to him as the first installment, to Veli Ağbaba’s advisor Özlem Akyılmaz, on the instructions of Pehlivan.

SENT TO AĞBABA
In the investigation carried out by MASAK upon this confession, it was determined that Rıdvan Korkmaz Budak, son of contractor Sönmez Budak, transferred 500 thousand liras to Evrim Ataman’s account on March 5, 2024, and 2 days later, Ataman sent this money to Özlem Akyılmaz, with whom he had no commercial relations and whom he did not know, and Akyılmaz transferred the money to Veli Ağbaba’s account on the same day. In the investigation, it was determined that Özlem Akyılmaz was registered with the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Secretariat Office Clerk. According to the letter sent by the Turkish Grand National Assembly to the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, it was also reported that Özlem Akyılmaz was the advisor of CHP’s Veli Ağbaba and that she used the phone registered in Ağbaba’s name.

6 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
Upon these findings, Deputy Mayor İbrahim Gökhan Pehlivan, Sönmez İnşaat’s owner Sönmez Budak, his son Rıdvan Korkmaz Budak, Veli Ağbaba’s advisor Özlem Akyılmaz, Vatan Gıda Nakliyat Hafriyat İnşaat Owner Salih Yurduseven and Öğmenler Yapı Turizm İnşaat Mühendislik company owner Rıdvan Öğmen was detained. Digital materials belonging to the suspects and various documents and data that could be the subject of the investigation were also seized for examination.

INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTS WILL BE SENT TO ANKARA
While it was stated that the detained suspects received 6 million liras of bribe in exchange for an illegal construction license, it was learned that the investigation documents against Veli Ağbaba, who was recorded to have received 500 thousand liras of bribe money through his consultant, will be separated and sent to the authorized Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for the crime of taking bribes.

The National Intelligence Organization captured Ahmet Kazancı, codenamed Abu Ubeyde / Abu İbrahim, during the operation carried out by the DAESH terrorist organization against the media structure of Khorasan Province. As a result of MİT’s intelligence studies, it was determined that Ahmet Kazancı went from Türkiye to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region and joined DAESH’s Khorasan Province (ISKP) and served actively in the camps. It was determined that Kazancı was operating together with Özgür Altun, codenamed Abu Yasir Al Turki, the Turkish Media Officer of DAESH, who played an active role in transferring elements of the organization from Türkiye to the Afghanistan-Pakistan area and was captured in Pakistan and brought to Türkiye. It was also determined that Kazancı replaced Özgür Altun after his capture and took over Altun’s organizational activities. As a result of MİT’s studies, it was determined that Ahmet Kazancı survived the air attacks against DAESH elements in Pakistan. In addition, it was determined that Kazancı would enter Türkiye illegally and continue his organizational activities after the training and organizational activities he received within DAESH.

CAUGHT WITH OPERATION

Based on the information obtained, MİT pressed the button of the operation. He caught Ahmet Kazancı, codenamed Abu Ubeyde / Abu İbrahim, whose organizational activities were being followed, in the border region. In the expression of earnings; Abu Yasir Al Turki, who managed the transfer of the organization from Türkiye to the Afghanistan-Pakistan area, confessed and gave details about his relationship with Özgür Altun, codenamed Özgür Altun, the various armed and religious training he received within DAESH, and his duties within the media propaganda activities he carried out on behalf of DAESH. Kazancı was transferred to Konya Anti-Terrorism Branch Directorate last night.

During his visit to Russia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan evaluated the agenda for the Turkish press.

Stating that their contacts in Russia showed that there are no problems in working together in bilateral relations and regional issues and that there are no issues that cause major complaints, Fidan said that both countries want to cooperate in every possible field.

Fidan stated that Russia’s impression is the same and that mutual visits between the two countries continue and there is no change in relations. Fidan stated that when we look at the content of the meetings, extremely difficult and deep issues were discussed and that both sides expressed their opinions.

Fidan said, “We have developed a very special relationship with the Russians, we have been able to cooperate and build trust even when we have very serious problematic areas. The vision of both leaders is clear; they defend the good of their countries within the framework of certain principles. They are ready to take a constructive attitude.” he said.

THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINE WAR AND THE ATTITUDE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS

Minister Fidan said, “During my contacts in Russia, I observed that the views of Russian officials on Ukraine have not changed. ‘There is no chance of this happening unless the Donetsk issue is resolved.’ they say.” He conveyed his statements.

SOUTH CAUCASIA AND CENTRAL ASIA

Underlining that during his visit, an agreement was reached on the operation of the 3+3 Mechanism in the South Caucasus and that this is a very important mechanism for deepening the cooperation between Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia and Georgia, Fidan continued as follows:

“As countries in the region, we should be able to see this; we need to prioritize cooperation instead of competition and quest for domination. We see that this understanding is reaching a certain point in the context of the latest developments in the Middle East. With the same perspective, we can strengthen our economies and increase stability in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The quest for domination must be stopped. Peace, tranquility and stability will be in our favor. We need to change our understanding.”

Fidan emphasized that the 3+3 formula will serve to realize important cooperation in the Caucasus and explained that there are obstacles and that the mutual distrust of some countries has reached serious levels.

Pointing out that there is a common search, Fidan touched upon the recently held Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Georgia meeting.

Minister Fidan said, “Something can be done there, especially regarding connectivity. The coming of the Central Corridor and connecting it to Türkiye, these issues were discussed. We believe that important steps can be taken.” he said.

NORMALIZATION PROCESS WITH ARMENIA

Referring to the normalization process with Armenia, Fidan said that the government of (Armenian Prime Minister Nikol) Pashinyan has taken very important steps and explained that many important steps, including direct trade and flights, were taken with the will of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Fidan said that what needs to be done in the new period is obvious and said, “We are ready for normalization when those conditions arise.” he said.

US-IRAN AGREEMENT

Fidan evaluated the US-Iran agreement at this point, stating that there are issues that technical teams need to work on mutually.

Stating that there are two important issues in the nuclear file, that they are understood in principle, but the details need to be addressed, Fidan said:

“First, what will happen to enriched uranium? Second, how will the next enrichment moratorium be operated? For example, there is an understanding of principle about the dilution of 400 kilograms of enriched uranium in Iran. But who will do the dilution, who will control it, how it will be ‘verified’, these need to be discussed. These will be discussed.”

Fidan stated that it sometimes took time for Iran’s answers or suggestions to reach the US side due to the security measures in war conditions and the lack of trust in the US, and said: “To an issue that the US side responded to in an hour, the Iranians could sometimes respond in a week. Of course, there were mutual attacks from time to time. In addition, Israel’s occupation of Lebanon delayed the process. I tried to encourage both sides to meet directly.” he said.

ISRAEL’S AGGRESSIVE AND EXPANSION POLICIES IN THE REGION

Pointing out that Israel’s aggressive attitude has become a problem for the whole world, Fidan underlined that this is not Türkiye’s problem alone.

Fidan said, “Israel wants destruction in the region. It wants to occupy some countries and carry out terrorism. This has repercussions in terms of global security and also in the economic field. We see that Israel is increasingly faced with diplomatic reactions. We hope that this diplomatic reaction will yield results and all countries in our region will live in peace, stability and prosperity.” he said.

Pointing out that the war between Iran, the USA and Israel caused the Gaza issue to remain in the background, Fidan emphasized that when this issue is resolved, it will be possible for the countries in the region to focus more on the Gaza issue.

Stating that Israel continues to target Gazans, Fidan stated that efforts are continuing to move on to the second phase, that efforts are continuing to reach an agreement on a framework text, and that the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) is also involved in this process.

NATO AND ANKARA SUMMIT

Speaking about the NATO Summit planned to be held in Ankara on July 7-8, Fidan stated that preparations are continuing intensively.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Fidan said:

“The most important issue is; how will the nuances in the US and Europeans’ views on NATO manifest? There are very important issues and it is not possible for them to be decided in a meeting in which the US President is not present. Many European countries say that the fact that the meeting will be held in Türkiye, hosted by our President, is the most important factor that made it possible for President Trump to attend the summit. If it were not for our President, if it were not for Turkey, Trump would not have come and he would have already declared that he does not attach importance to this place.”