CHP Konya Provincial Organization recently dismissed the district youth branch presidents and their management without giving a reason. Thereupon, young CHP members who went to the provincial building and chanted “Management resign” slogans booed the administration. The young people also left a gravestone in front of the building. Reacting to the decision, CHP Konya Deputy Barış Bektaş said: “Dismissals are clearly a usurpation of will. It is incompatible with democracy, organizational culture and political morality. At a time when our party needs the feelings of unity and solidarity more than ever, I see that common sense has been replaced by personal ambitions. It has now reached an undeniable point that this ambition harms not only individuals but also our common struggle.”

CHP 36th Term Party Assembly member and former District Chairman Bülent Ecevit Tatlıdil said, “Whoever suggested to our Headquarters and took part in this decision, their aim is not to grow and unify the party, but to establish a structure in which they can play. Even the district presidents are not aware of the decision. Youth branches can only go through elections. Those who see themselves in the giant mirror, remember that those seats are not permanent for you.”

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced important regulations in Türkiye’s social policies in the A Haber live broadcast. Stating that the maternity leave awaited by millions has been increased to 24 weeks for mothers, Göktaş announced that mothers whose leave continues as of April 1 will also benefit from this right. Emphasizing that paternity leave has been increased from 5 days to 10 days, Göktaş heralded that maternity benefits will no longer be a one-time payment, but will be made in the form of monthly payments until the child turns 5.

MODEL SPECIFIC TO Türkiye
Referring to the work carried out to ensure the safety of children in the digital world, Minister Göktaş said, “Social media regulation for children under the age of 15 has been expected for a long time. In this context, while we impose control on those under the age of 15, we also impose the obligation to provide separated content for our young people between the ages of 15-18.” Touching on the technical details of the regulation, Göktaş said: “We will carry out age verification through the e-Government portal, with a model specific to our country, so that our children’s data will be protected within our own organization without going abroad.” Explaining the latest situation after the tragic school attack in Kahramanmaraş, Göktaş said: “From the moment the incident occurred, we went to the field with 256 personnel. We established direct contact with 3,160 families by establishing a monitoring system not only on a case-based basis but also on a household basis. We have initiated the grief counseling process, especially for our citizens who have lost a child or parent, and we will continue it with determination.”

In his speech at the “Muslim Impact Forum 2026” held in a private hotel in Ataköy, Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran said that he was very pleased to host the participants in Istanbul, one of the ancient centers of Islamic civilization.

Stating that the world is going through a deep transformation process today, Duran explained that 20 years ago, this situation could have been considered a normal change in the international system.

Duran, however, pointed out that the situation they are facing today is much more dire and said, “Wars, genocides, pandemics and the gradual weakening of trust in international institutions and norms clearly show that a critical threshold has been crossed. We are indeed passing through a turning point. However, the main issue is that the international community and the institutions that were once considered the backbone of the global system do not have a clear forward-looking vision.” he said.

Emphasizing that there are only some signs, Duran noted that the first sign is clear, the great powers are no longer assuming great responsibilities, and the super powers are becoming increasingly reluctant to assume leadership responsibilities.

Presidential Communications Director Duran explained that the second sign is much more worrying and said: “In many cases, the founders of the old system have become its main destroyers today. They have committed crimes against humanity or tolerated the commission of these crimes. On the other hand, international institutions established to maintain stability and resolve conflicts are becoming increasingly ineffective.” he said.

“THE SPREAD OF MANIPULATION AND FALSE CONTENT IS INCREASING”

Emphasizing that an important dimension of this deep transformation is experienced in the field of communication, Duran stated that many people define the period they are in as a “Communication Age”, but he is of the opinion that they have left this phase behind.

Duran underlined that today, we are in a new era that can be described as the “age of narrative” and said, “In this new era, we are no longer talking about a competition that focuses only on communication, but a narrative competition that is shaped by how realities are framed, how they are interpreted and ultimately how they are accepted by the global public. Nowadays, any message can reach the whole world within seconds. The concept of ‘global village’ put forward by Marshall McLuhan has now become a daily reality for all of us.” made his assessment.

Pointing out that this speed and access capacity brings with it serious risks, Duran said that the spread of disinformation, manipulation and untrue content is gradually increasing, and these trends are blurring the boundaries between truth and lies.

Burhanettin Duran continued as follows:

“In this context, as the Presidency Directorate of Communications, we see the establishment of an information ecosystem based on accurate, confirmed and reliable information as one of our top priorities. Because today, in an environment of increasing uncertainty in the international system, wars are no longer waged not only on the front lines but also in minds, on screens and through perceptions. Fake videos, manipulated contents and organized propaganda networks constitute the new front lines of today’s conflicts. We have to express this clearly: In the age we live in, strategic communication is handled together with conflict areas and crises.” It is a fact that needs to be taken into consideration.”

Duran stated that, as Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, they strive to strengthen the capacity of a state that manages information rationally, shapes the future and acts with a strategic perspective against perception operations.

For this reason, Duran stated that Türkiye, with a perspective shaped by its geography and history, noticed the flaws in the system much earlier and voiced the call for reform before many other actors. “Turkey has played an important role as a mediator and peacekeeper in many of the most severe crises in the world, from the war in Iraq to the civil war in Syria, from the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia to the occupation of some parts of Georgia and Ukraine, from the nuclear crisis around Iran to the genocide in Gaza.” he said.

Duran noted that President Erdoğan’s message “The world is bigger than five” is a direct response to this crisis, and that this statement is a clear call for injustice, imbalance and dysfunction at the center of the global system.

Pointing out that while the international order was being built eighty years ago, the opportunity for Muslim countries and societies to direct this process was almost non-existent, Duran emphasized that international institutions did not provide a sufficient basis to reflect their centuries-old values, traditions and experiences.

Duran stated that for this reason, Muslim societies have become actors who are forced to adopt norms, not norm-setters, and that nearly 50 years ago, Edward Said, in his work “Orientalism”, revealed how Western narratives established a hegemonic relationship over the Middle East and the Islamic world.

Underlining that the representation of the other is never neutral, Duran stated that this representation determines who is considered civilized, who is labeled as backward, and who has the right to speak.

“WE MUST BECOME NORMS SETTER”

Duran mentioned that Said’s later work titled “Covering Islam” reveals how the Western media constantly frames the Islamic world through suspicion and stereotypes.

Pointing out that today, in this transition period, they are faced not only with risks but also with history and an opportunity, Duran said, “We have the opportunity to contribute to the emerging global order. Our duty is clear. We must become norm-makers. We have to bring our values ​​back into the system and overcome the defensive approaches imposed by Islamophobia and Western-centered thought.” he said.

Director of Communications Duran said that he would especially like to emphasize that when it comes to global narratives, technology companies, lobby groups, intelligence networks and digital platforms far from accountability are among the main actors.

Pointing out that these actors determine how conflicts will be framed, whose pain will be visible and whose voice will be ignored, Duran said, “This situation also offers an important opportunity. Muslim societies can reclaim their own narratives and tell their own stories. We have to make a determined effort to break the deep-rooted monopolies on the narrative. First of all, communication processes must include both strong states and active civil societies. Only the efforts of governments are not enough. Academics, journalists, artists and citizens must be an integral part of this process.” he said.

“MUSLIM COMMUNITIES SHOULD BE PROTECTED AGAINST DISINFORMATION”

Presidential Communications Director Duran said:

“Secondly, Muslim societies must be protected against disinformation. Digital literacy is now a must. Verification mechanisms and institutions that combat disinformation are critical in combating Islamophobia, prejudice and hate campaigns. Thirdly, we must build our own communication institutions. We cannot remain merely reacting once narratives have spread. We need to create media platforms, research centers and strategic communication structures that pre-produce reliable information. If we cannot tell our own story, others will continue to tell it on our behalf. And our story will continue to be told on our behalf.” “If they tell us, they will define our place in the world. Therefore, we must reclaim our own narrative, tell our story ourselves, and secure our deserved place in the world on our own terms.”

Hoping that the dialogue and cooperation established here will strengthen unity and solidarity in the Islamic world, Duran wished that the forum would lead to beneficial results for the Islamic world and all humanity.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a telephone conversation with United States President Donald Trump.

During the meeting, President Erdoğan expressed his wishes to US President Trump for the attempted attack that took place at the White House Correspondents’ dinner in Washington.

President Erdoğan stated that he saw what happened as a heinous act against democracy and freedom of the press, and he wished a speedy recovery to the injured security guard.

WHAT HAPPENED?

US President Donald Trump was taken out of the hall by his bodyguards after gunshots were heard at the dinner organized by the White House Correspondents’ Association.

At the event, which was broadcast live, voices were raised shortly after the start of the food service, while Trump’s bodyguards were seen in the hall with long-barreled weapons.

In his post on his social media account following the incident, Trump announced that the suspect was caught, and images of the suspect lying face down in the hotel lobby with his clothes off were reflected on social media.

Stating that one Secret Service agent was injured in the incident and that he was in good condition, Trump said, “I don’t think so, but you never know.” he replied.

CHP leader Özgür Özel, in his statement after the meeting with mayors in Ankara, said about Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, “She cannot go out on the streets in Aydın.”

AK Party Aydın Deputy Seda Sarıbaş responded to these words with a post on her social media account.

“THE SOUNDS OF OUR PRESIDENT’S HEELS SCARED YOU”

In his statement, Sarıbaş said, “The unfounded statements made by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel about our Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu are an expression of political indigestion and helplessness. Obviously, the footsteps of our Mayor have frightened you…”

Sarıbaş continued his statement and said, “Mr. Özel should know this very well: Contrary to your imaginary claims, our President Özlem performs his duty with the blessings of our elderly, the sincere hearts of our youth and the unshakable trust of the people of Aydın. As AK Party cadres, with the strength we derive from our unity and solidarity, we continue to be with our fellow citizens of Aydın at every moment, walking from street to street, door to door, day and night.” he said.

“THE PEOPLE OF AYDIN ​​KNOW WELL WHO IS A REAL SERVICE LOVER”

In his statement, Sarıbaş emphasized that citizens will make the real evaluation beyond political debates and said, “You can continue to defend those who take corruption, lawlessness and profit-oriented politics as their way, and occupy the agenda with polemics disconnected from reality. However, the truth is the street itself and the people of Aydın know very well who is a real lover of service. Today, as in the past, those who have no place in the hearts of the nation and those who try to survive only with the politics of smear will be disappointed again. “You will lose again as always! We will continue to work non-stop at the service of our nation and in the service of Aydin.”

A new internal crisis broke out in the CHP, which is struggling with corruption investigations, the ‘Özkan Yalım’ scandal and absolute nullity discussions. Mine Kırıkkanat, one of the writers of Cumhuriyet Newspaper, used the phrase “Crypto sword residue” for former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in her tweet the other day. These words, which aroused the Alevi community, also caused an explosion of anger in the opposition within the party. CHP politicians and journalists close to Kılıçdaroğlu made statements one after another and lashed out at Kırıkkanat.

‘DELAYED’ CONDEMNATION FROM ÖZEL

On the other hand, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who remained silent for a long time, shared a condemnation message at 12 at night after the reactions intensified. In his short statement, Özel said, “This time, the so-called writer has attacked Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu excessively. The law of our former Chairman is primarily entrusted to me. I condemn it in one word.” Özel’s ‘delayed’ condemnation further fueled the crisis. While the opposition reacted to the long-term silence, people close to the headquarters asked: “Why is the chairman involved in these polemics?” His reaction drew attention.

KIRIKKANAT: FORGIVE MY IGNORANCE

Kırıkkanat, who made a new statement after the crisis, said, “I sincerely apologize to my Alevi friends. I did not know the history of the word ‘sword residue’. I said this in reference to Kılıçdaroğlu’s surname. Forgive my ignorance,” but he could not escape the reactions. Writing in the same newspaper, Prof. Dr. Veysel Ulusoy also criticized Kırıkkanat and said, “What kind of blindness, what kind of hatred is this? I condemn you as a Cumhuriyet writer. I emphasize that you do not suit our newspaper.”