Politics
Terror-free Türkiye committee convenes for first time
Speaking at the first meeting of a parliamentary committee on the terror-free Türkiye initiative in Ankara on Tuesday, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said Türkiye was at a turning point, a vital moment to shape the country’s future.
The committee, comprised of 48 lawmakers from most parties represented at Parliament, will weigh how the initiative will proceed, especially in terms of laws and regulations regarding the status of the PKK terrorist group and its members. This may include lenient sentences for surrendering members of the group.
Parliamentarians from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), its ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), the New Path bloc, the Türkiye Labor Party (TIP), the Labor Party (EMEP), the New Welfare Party (YRP), the Democratic Left Party (DSP), the Free Cause Party (HÜDA-PAR) and the Democrat Party (DP) attended the inaugural meeting of the committee, which was expected to define working methods of the group.
Although Parliament is in summer recess, the committee will continue to work without interruption. Kurtulmuş will serve as chairperson but is not eligible to vote in the committee’s voting processes. AK Party’s committee members include former Justice Minister Abdülhamit Gül. CHP’s committee members will consist of Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Murat Emir, Deputy Chairs Gökçe Gökçen and Murat Bakan, and lawmakers from Istanbul, Diyarbakır, Ankara and Muğla. Among them are Türkan Elçi, the widow of Diyarbakır Bar Association’s former Chair Tahir Elçi, who died in 2015 in crossfire during a shootout between police officers and PKK members, and Sezgin Tanrıkulu, a prominent parliamentarian who has often made headlines for his heavy criticism of counterterrorism efforts.
The committee will not directly propose bills but will likely refer its reports to other subcommittees of Parliament, which will then discuss and vote on bills for their referral to the Parliament’s General Assembly. The General Assembly is the ultimate authority in Parliament to pass laws. Throughout its tenure, the committee will also hear statements of actors involved or affected by the initiative, from the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), which monitors the PKK’s disarmament, to families of terror victims. The committee is expected to recommend amendments in counterterrorism laws and the Turkish Penal Code to accommodate the needs of the initiative, especially in terms of the state of people convicted of terrorism or aiding and abetting the PKK.
The terror-free Türkiye initiative launched by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli had its first tangible progress in February when the PKK’s jailed ringleader, Abdullah Öcalan, accepted Bahçeli’s call and urged the group to lay down its weapons. In May, the PKK announced it would dissolve itself. Last month, some 30 PKK members, including a senior leader, burned their weapons in a ceremony in northern Iraq. Although symbolic, the gesture marked the first time that the group has laid down arms in its campaign of violence for more than four decades. The PKK has previously announced so-called unilateral truces but has never entirely given up its ambitions.
The initiative was preceded by calls from Bahçeli and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to “reinforce the home front at a time of regional tensions and Israel’s expansionism.” Elimination of the PKK threat will bolster Türkiye’s role as a regional power and reinforce its economy by reducing defense expenditures utilized to fight the PKK for decades. More importantly, it will be a key stage in putting the so-called “Kurdish question” to rest. Since its foundation and first attacks in the 1980s, the PKK has exploited the Kurdish community, claiming to fight for their right to self-determination. State policies simply ignoring Kurds’ rights, such as education in Kurdish, further fueled the PKK’s violent campaign. The state stepped up counterterrorism efforts in the 1990s, but most of them backfired as controversial abductions and killings of people in the southeast, where the PKK was most active, played into the hands of the PKK’s propaganda of oppression of Kurds by the state.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reached out to the Kurdish community by launching a “reconciliation process” in the 2010s, to reinstate the rights of the community so the PKK would not have room for exploitation. The process succeeded to some extent with the PKK declaring a so-called truce, but soon, Türkiye had to revert to hawkish security policies when the PKK resumed its attacks after a brief lull. Subsequently, Türkiye managed to limit the group’s presence in Iraq and Syria and the group has been unable to launch major attacks as it did in the past, thanks to the crackdown.
Kurtulmuş said in his speech on Tuesday that the committee would serve as a proxy of the nation to resolve the problems. “It is a reflection of a will to provide a new insight into an issue that sucked out the energy of this country for decades and was provoked by those seeking to sow discord. What matters most here is not making it history and solving all problems at once. It is about reminding people that Parliament is the voice of the people, a bearer of social peace, an insurer of brotherhood and a legitimate platform for finding solutions. It is about moving forward with courage, conscience, and justice, rather than political calculations and a narrow mindset. This process that began with the dissolution of the terrorist group is a matter for our revered nation directly, rather than a matter for a political structure,” he said.
“We are here to turn common suffering into a common hope. This significant problem, which had persisted for years, compelled politics and the state to act out of a security reflex. But it is high time to discuss freedom, equality and justice in addition to security. This is another mission of the committee. Every step we take should reinforce our brotherhood and peace in these ancient lands. In this context, terror-free Türkiye, as a matter of fact, means a terror-free region,” he said. He underlined the Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood dating back to the Seljuks, adding that they have to be inspired by their wisdom.
End of darkness
“A dark period blocking the path to the future is being left behind with the resolve of our nation and state. We are not drafting a new constitution here, but we will have our say on brotherhood and unity. The Parliament will remind people of a brotherhood of a thousand years,” he said. Kurtulmuş also underlined that the initiative was not the result of a bargain with the PKK. “It is a reflection of the determination of our nation to achieve unity,” he said.
“The scourge of terrorism occupied Türkiye for a long time. If we could have devoted our expenditures (to fight the PKK) elsewhere, we would have had many universities, hospitals and schools earlier. We would have a better education. We would have reached the point Türkiye is now far earlier. We would have had defense technologies, locally made helicopters, satellites we take pride in producing on our own far earlier,” he said.
Kurtulmuş also vowed that the committee would be loyal to the legacy of “all the heroes who defended the homeland at the cost of their lives,” referring to police officers, soldiers and civilians killed by the PKK. He said that one of the most important tasks for the committee was to monitor the disarmament process, and the process should be monitored and directed cautiously “through a legal framework and on a social basis.”
“It is important to manage social mindset properly. A rhetoric failing to protect the dignity of Kurds and ignoring the pride of Turks would not lead to peace,” he said.
In a written statement on Monday, Bahçeli said there was “no place or time for skepticism.”
“(Türkiye) is going through historic developments in a terror-free initiative. Efforts to thwart it, the pursuit of sabotage in advance of the committee’s work is a campaign aimed at undermining the initiative. I am fully confident that parties contributing to the committee will resist this sinister, dirty campaign,” he said.
Bahçeli said that politics had a successful record and the skills to counter developments overshadowing the process, guided by morals and sanity, and to avoid the dead ends created by the conjuncture. He emphasized that the experience demonstrated that countries without a culture of troubleshooting often fail to distance themselves from being drawn into crisis-oriented contradictions. He added that the Turkish nation has proven, especially in recent years, its ability to confront chronic and severe issues with courage and resilience.
He said Türkiye had a clear path ahead regardless of “dark propaganda.” “This flag raised once will not go down, will not be overshadowed. The Nationalist Movement Party and People’s Alliance promise it. The existence of any influential force that will stop or hinder Türkiye from being cleared of terrorism is just a dream now. The siege is over, and the regional, global conspiracy has been countered. Terror-free Türkiye is a strong Türkiye that has renewed its national unity and brotherhood,” Bahçeli stated.
The MHP leader acknowledged the existence of “those who struggled to adapt to the new normal.”
“Within this context, some cheap and absurd accusations circulating are not so much about adaptation problems but rather about the multifaceted destruction, restriction and damage to a historic opportunity that has been seized. Those who see a Türkiye free of terrorism as contrary to their political and ideological interests are eager to stir up storms in a teacup. Their growing demands and appetites have recently intensified and become widespread,” he said about critics of the initiative.
“Narrow-minded individuals who thrive on the status quo, dependent factions longing for tutelage, so-called nationalists with unclear loyalties, vile circles investing in lies and gossip, and collaborators eager to serve imperialism and Zionism have collectively united to undermine and damage the vision of a terror-free Türkiye. Those who cannot comprehend, let alone articulate, the complex web of regional dynamics and global equations – issues that have grown increasingly serious and multifaceted – naturally lack the will and their claims are meaningless,” he said.
Commenting on the Good Party’s (IP) refusal to join the committee, Bahçeli said: “The baseless, unjust and shameless criticisms by irresponsible people are unserious and worthless statements,” he said.
The IP joined forces with the Victory Party (ZP) to oppose the initiative, and both parties were founded and populated by former members of the MHP. “Those who once sought to poison and chain the MHP by wearing every mask, plotting every trap, seeking help from anyone and joining disgraceful alliances must especially know that betrayal is inherent in their persons and politics,” Bahçeli said.
Bahçeli emphasized that the CHP’s decision to provide members to the commission starting work in Parliament is a valuable step and added, “Insisting on preconditions that would derail the process is just as meaningless and illogical,” referring to the party’s set of conditions prior to joining the committee, especially for the release of politicians linked to the PKK convicted of terror charges.
“Türkiye will permanently overcome the scourge of terrorism. Taking a supportive and appropriate stance – one that facilitates rather than complicates, embraces the dignity and sentiments of our nation rather than avoiding compromise – is undoubtedly a great need for constructive and supportive political posture,” Bahçeli stated.
MHP Deputy Chair Feti Yıldız, a member of the committee, told the first meeting that the new initiative was not a new version of the reconciliation process. “It will not be repeated and revived,” Yıldız said. “We have a great opportunity and we should not squander it. We have to try to understand each other instead of attacking the reputation of each other. We need a stance that is not hostile to other political parties,” Yıldız said.
The Istanbul lawmaker for MHP stated that the committee had a responsibility toward innocent people who paid a heavy price due to terrorism, “from our troops and police to teachers, all martyrs and veterans.” Yıldız said Türkiye has been very successful in maintaining the process as political parties did not seek assistance from elsewhere, “in the Middle East, where all kinds of intrigue are taking place.”
The DEM Party’s deputy parliamentary group chair, Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, told the meeting that they were aware of the “historic responsibility” at the committee and pledged that they would be constructive and solution-oriented. “All citizens of Türkiye need a new beginning,” the DEM Party lawmaker Meral Danış Beştaş told the meeting.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) marked its 25th anniversary on Friday. In power for more than two decades, the party looks forward to more feats under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
During the celebrations marking the anniversary, the party also rolled out a “vision paper.” The paper summarizes a strategy for growth and development across 10 chapters.
Comprehensive goals were laid out under headings covering a leading country in the global system, a high-tech and high value-added economy, national technology and digital sovereignty, a predictable legal system, a human-centric state, a strong family and prosperous society, women’s role in the “Century of Türkiye,” youth as architects of the future, green transformation, and Türkiye on the threshold of its second quarter-century. Erdoğan had earlier announced similar goals for what he called the “Century of Türkiye” vision, in reference to the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye in 2023.
In the first chapter, the document aims for Türkiye to transcend being merely a regional actor and become a global leader that inspires trust, builds partnerships, and shapes the international order. Key elements include an order-building foreign policy, a resilient security ecosystem, energy security, strategic production and a terror-free region.
Regarding economic growth, the focus centers on high-value-added production across industry, agriculture, and energy. Domestic production in the defense industry has expanded significantly, while agriculture emphasizes food security and farmer welfare. In health care, the target moves toward manufacturing health technologies, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. For energy, goals include expanding renewables, diversifying through nuclear power and small modular reactors, and manufacturing solar, wind, and battery assets domestically.
Digital sovereignty initiatives emphasize artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and technological independence, ensuring technology serves the public good while addressing data protection, digital addiction, and cyberbullying under the Cyber Homeland framework.
In the legal realm, the vision targets the protection of fundamental rights, an independent judiciary, and a libertarian, inclusive constitution that balances individual freedoms with public order.
For governance and urban development, the document details plans for human-centric smart cities, data-driven local administration and expanded social housing, including building 500,000 social units and transforming 150,000 independent units annually across all 81 provinces.
To strengthen society, the 2026–2035 period is designated as the “Decade of Family and Population,” providing economic support for young families, housing access, and work-life balance. Policies for women focus on STEM education, AI literacy, entrepreneurship, flexible work options, and zero tolerance for violence. For youth, the strategy prioritizes support in science, arts, sports, and decision-making roles while combating addiction.
Environmental targets include advancing toward the 2053 net-zero emission goal, treating water security as a component of national security, adapting agriculture to climate change, and expanding public green spaces.
Finally, the strategy integrates a strong economy, robust democracy, inclusive constitution, effective public administration, qualified human resources, green transformation, defense capability, and active diplomacy as mutually reinforcing pillars for the next 25 years.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan marked the 25th anniversary of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on Friday by highlighting Türkiye’s transformation in defense, infrastructure and public services over the past quarter-century while pledging that the party would not slow its push for further change.
Speaking at celebrations commemorating the party’s foundation on Aug. 14, 2001, Erdoğan said the AK Party had entered its second quarter-century after delivering on 90% of the commitments included in its party programs and election manifestos.
“Let no one expect us to grow tired,” Erdoğan said, stressing that despite what he described as major achievements over the past 25 years, the party’s work was far from finished.
Erdoğan pointed to Türkiye’s expanding domestic defense industry as one of the most significant changes under successive AK Party governments, saying the country had gone from importing even infantry rifles to producing its own warships, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, tanks, missiles and submarines.
He also highlighted investments in the economy, health care, education and transportation, describing them as some of the largest projects undertaken in Türkiye’s history.
Erdoğan said the governments led by his party had used both their electoral mandate and public resources to expand the economy, promote development and strengthen the country.
Recalling the AK Party’s establishment, Erdoğan said the movement was founded under the message “Closed to darkness, open to light,” alongside the pledge that political authority and decision-making belonged to the people.
“Today is a very special and historic day,” he said. “We are marking our 25th anniversary with great pride.”
The president also cited the lifting of restrictions on women wearing headscarves in universities, schools and public institutions, as well as the abolition of a university admissions coefficient system that had disadvantaged vocational school graduates.
Erdoğan pointed to the reopening of Hagia Sophia for Muslim worship in 2020 as another pledge fulfilled during the party’s time in government. The landmark had operated as a museum for decades before being redesignated as a mosque.
Turning to Türkiye’s political system, Erdoğan said the presidential system of government had addressed what he described as the country’s long-standing problem of instability in governance. Türkiye formally transitioned from a parliamentary system to an executive presidency in 2018 following a 2017 constitutional referendum.
Erdoğan also thanked the AK Party’s partners in the People’s Alliance, which he said was forged during the failed July 15, 2016 coup attempt, for continuing to work together for Türkiye’s future and security.
He separately thanked Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair Devlet Bahçeli for sending flowers to mark the anniversary and expressed appreciation to other political party leaders who conveyed their congratulations by telephone or message.
The AK Party was founded under Erdoğan’s leadership on Aug. 14, 2001, and first came to power after winning the November 2002 general elections. It has since remained the dominant force in Turkish politics, with Erdoğan serving first as prime minister and later as president.
Türkiye and Egypt agreed on the need for stronger measures to address Israel’s violations in Gaza as the two regional powers deepen cooperation on a range of regional crises, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday.
Fidan, speaking at a news conference alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in El Alamein, described Egypt as Türkiye’s “natural partner” and voiced hope that the growing relationship between Ankara and Cairo would soon evolve into a formal partnership.
“Our region has lost too much time to wars, occupations and internal conflicts. We have a significant gap to close,” Fidan said, stressing the need for closer regional cooperation.
Fidan said Ankara and Cairo were working closely on Gaza and had agreed that stronger measures were needed regarding the situation in the Palestinian enclave.
Noting that Israel’s failure to fulfill its commitments under the terms of the Gaza peace deal may push Ankara and Cairo and other mediators to take radical steps, Fidan said both countries expect the U.S. to apply necessary pressure on Tel Aviv.
“Otherwise, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt will have to take radical steps on this issue. This is a responsibility we owe to our nation, our people, and the Palestinians,” Fidan said.
He also emphasized the broader importance of cooperation between the two countries as they seek to coordinate their positions on conflicts and political crises across the region.
“Our region has lost too much time to wars, occupations and internal conflicts. We have a significant gap to close,” Fidan said.
“Egypt is our natural partner, and hopefully it will soon become our formal partner as well,” he added.
Fidan sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government over their provocative policies in the region.
“We see that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his team are increasingly escalating policies that trample on human dignity and are adopting an attitude that effectively provokes the entire international community,” he said.
On Libya, Fidan said Türkiye and Egypt were aligned on safeguarding the North African country’s territorial integrity.
“Türkiye and Egypt share the same view regarding Libya’s unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and indivisibility,” he said.
Fidan also addressed regional tensions involving Iran, saying Ankara hoped for the restoration of a cease-fire between the United States and Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We hope that the cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran will be reestablished and that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened,” he said.
Referring to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Fidan described the pact as a landmark development for regional cooperation.
“The Mecca alliance, by its very nature, has marked a historic moment for our region,” he said.
Abdelatty, meanwhile, emphasized the strength of the relationship between Ankara and Cairo and the need for sustained coordination as the region confronts multiple crises.
“Relations between Türkiye and Egypt are truly built on strong foundations,” Abdelatty said.
“We face many challenges in the region, and considering this, we must remain in constant consultation,” he said. “Today, we held constructive talks with Mr. Fidan, and senior officials also participated in these meetings. There is political will to advance our relations.”
Abdelatty said he expected bilateral relations to continue developing, including through greater coordination between the Turkish and Egyptian private sectors.
He said closer cooperation between the two countries could serve as an example to the international community.
Turning to Syria, Abdelatty said Türkiye and Egypt shared opposition to Israeli attacks targeting Syrian sovereignty.
“In our meeting with Minister Fidan, we expressed that we oppose and condemn all Israeli attacks on Syria’s sovereignty,” he said.
Abdelatty also highlighted the two countries’ shared position on Sudan amid the conflict there.
“We are in full agreement with Türkiye on supporting Sudan’s territorial integrity and categorically rejecting its partition,” he said.
The two ministers also signed three documents aimed at strengthening cooperation between Türkiye and Egypt following their talks and the second meeting of the Türkiye-Egypt Joint Planning Group in El-Alamein. The documents included the minutes of the Joint Planning Group meeting, a decision amending Protocol No. 3 on rules of origin under the Türkiye-Egypt Free Trade Agreement, and Egypt’s accession document to a memorandum of understanding on strengthening transport connectivity between Türkiye and African coastal countries.
The talks in El Alamein came as Türkiye and Egypt continue to strengthen bilateral ties following years of strained relations, while expanding coordination on Gaza, Libya, Syria, Sudan and other regional issues.
Ankara prosecutors have launched an investigation into main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) lawmaker Ahmet Baran Yazgan over allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault, while his party referred him to disciplinary proceedings with a request for permanent expulsion on Friday.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said it launched the investigation over video footage circulating on social media and related allegations involving Yazgan, a CHP lawmaker representing the northwestern province of Edirne.
The investigation covers alleged offenses of “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault limited to molestation,” according to the prosecutor’s office.
CHP Deputy Chair and spokesperson Müslim Sarı separately announced that Yazgan had been referred to the party’s disciplinary board as a precautionary measure with a request for permanent expulsion.
“Within the framework of our party’s fundamental principles, bylaws and disciplinary provisions, Edirne lawmaker Ahmet Baran Yazgan has, as of today, been referred to disciplinary proceedings with a request for permanent expulsion,” Sarı said.
The developments followed an altercation at an apartment in Edirne early Thursday.
Police were dispatched to the residence in the city’s Cumhuriyet neighborhood after residents reported hearing sounds of a fight.
Yazgan told police that he had been assaulted, that his cellphone had been taken and that he was filmed during the incident. Officers later found his phone under a refrigerator and returned it to him.
Three people, including two women, were detained over the altercation.
The suspects told investigators that they had gone to T.A.’s residence following a birthday celebration, where they consumed alcohol with Yazgan before an argument escalated into a physical confrontation.
The parties filed complaints against each other. The suspects accused Yazgan of sexual harassment, threats and insults, while N.D. said she suffered a hand injury from a piece of glass during the altercation.
Footage purportedly showing parts of the incident is also being examined as part of the investigation.
The three suspects were later released by a criminal judgeship of peace under judicial control measures and were barred from traveling abroad.
The CHP said Yazgan had also been summoned to party headquarters for an internal inquiry into the incident.
Turkish ministers and political figures on Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), highlighting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership and the party’s quarter-century in Turkish politics.
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi recalled Erdoğan’s remarks at the party’s founding on Aug. 14, 2001, when he declared that, “Nothing in Türkiye will ever be the same again.”
Çiftçi said the statement opened the door not only to a new political movement but also to a new era for Türkiye.
“Exactly 25 years have passed since that day,” Çiftçi stressed, adding that Erdoğan and the party had faced numerous challenges during that period.
He said Erdoğan had left a significant mark on Türkiye’s recent history through his leadership and policies, while maintaining a strong connection with the public.
Citing Erdoğan’s statement that “the AK Party’s dough was kneaded by the nation,” Çiftçi noted public support had been at the core of the party’s political journey.
Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum also issued an anniversary message, saying the party’s establishment 25 years ago marked the beginning of a political movement built around what he described as the nation’s values and the vision of a stronger Türkiye.
“Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, our AK Party, which placed the nation’s will at the center of politics and transformed Türkiye through its works, today represents 25 years of struggle, service and cause,” Kurum said.
AK Party spokesperson and Deputy Chair Ömer Çelik described the anniversary as an exceptional milestone in the country’s political history.
Çelik said reaching the party’s 25th year after such a long period in government was a rare political achievement, describing the anniversary as a “celebration.”
“We have carried out this entire process under the leadership of our president with uninterrupted rule in a way rarely seen in political history,” Çelik said.
He argued that the party’s longevity stemmed from its relationship with voters and Erdoğan’s approach to politics, saying public approval had provided the basis for its continued governance.
Furthermore, Mustafa Destici, chair of the Great Unity Party (BBP), also congratulated Erdoğan and the AK Party on the anniversary.
Destici said the AK Party had played a major role in Türkiye’s political life over the past quarter-century while confronting political, economic and social challenges, terrorist attacks and the July 15, 2016, coup attempt.
He also pointed to Türkiye’s growing regional and international role and developments, including the establishment of the Organization of Turkic States and the reopening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque.
Destici said cooperation within the People’s Alliance would continue around shared objectives, including national unity, economic strength, counterterrorism and greater independence in the defense industry.
Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), founded under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Aug. 14, 2001, marked its 25th anniversary Friday, completing a quarter-century in which it has won every general election it has contested and reshaped the country’s political landscape.
Established as Türkiye’s 39th political party by a movement led by Erdoğan, then a former Istanbul mayor, the AK Party entered national politics with a pledge for sweeping political change.
“From now on, nothing in Türkiye will be the same,” Erdoğan said at the party’s launch. Two days later, he was unanimously elected its chair.
Just 15 months after its establishment, the AK Party won the Nov. 3, 2002, general election with 34.28% of the vote. Erdoğan was barred from running because of a political ban, and Abdullah Gül formed the 58th government.
Erdoğan enters Parliament
After legal changes lifted his political ban, Erdoğan won a parliamentary seat in a rerun election in the southeastern province of Siirt on March 9, 2003.
Following Gül’s resignation as prime minister, Erdoğan formed Türkiye’s 59th government on March 15, beginning more than a decade as premier.
The AK Party consolidated its position in subsequent elections, receiving 41.7% in the 2004 local elections and 46.58% in the 2007 general election.
The party faced one of its most serious legal challenges in 2008 when Türkiye’s chief prosecutor filed a case seeking its closure and political bans for 71 figures, including Erdoğan and Gül.
Six Constitutional Court judges voted to close the party and five opposed the move, falling short of the qualified majority required for a ban.
Referendums, election victories
A constitutional referendum in September 2010 became another milestone for the party, with 57.88% voting in favor of a package of constitutional amendments.
The AK Party subsequently received 49.83% of the vote in the 2011 general election, one of its highest nationwide vote shares.
In 2014, Erdoğan shifted from the prime minister’s office to the presidency. He won 51.79% of the vote on Aug. 10, becoming Türkiye’s first president elected directly by popular vote.
Ahmet Davutoğlu succeeded Erdoğan as AK Party chair. After the June 2015 election produced no single-party government, the AK Party regained its parliamentary majority in the Nov. 1 snap election.
Binali Yıldırım became party chair and prime minister in May 2016.
Presidential system changes
Türkiye’s political trajectory changed sharply with the July 15, 2016, coup attempt by the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).
Erdoğan called on citizens to take to the streets and public squares, while resistance to the coup attempt helped foster closer political cooperation between the AK Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), laying the groundwork for the People’s Alliance.
A constitutional referendum on April 16, 2017, approved a shift to an executive presidential system with 51.41% support.
The changes also allowed the president to retain party membership. Erdoğan rejoined the AK Party after 979 days and was reelected its chair at an extraordinary congress in May 2017.
The AK Party and MHP contested the June 24, 2018, elections under the People’s Alliance, as Türkiye held presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously for the first time.
Erdoğan won the presidency with 52.59%, becoming the first president under the new system, while the AK Party received 42.56% in the parliamentary vote.
The alliance continued into the 2019 local elections, in which the AK Party received 44.33% nationwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic later disrupted the party’s congress process, but its seventh ordinary congress was eventually held in March 2021, with Erdoğan again elected chair.
Erdoğan wins new term in 2023
Türkiye returned to the polls in May 2023 for presidential and parliamentary elections.
Erdoğan received 49.52% in the first presidential round, forcing a runoff. The AK Party received 35.62% of the parliamentary vote and secured 268 seats.
Erdoğan defeated his challenger in the May 28 runoff with 52.18%, securing another presidential term.
The victory extended the AK Party’s record of finishing first in every general election it had contested since its establishment and maintained its position as the longest-governing party since Türkiye entered its multiparty era in 1946.
The March 31, 2024, local elections represented a setback for the AK Party, which received 35.49% of the vote and won 24 provincial and 357 district municipalities.
Erdoğan acknowledged the message delivered by voters and pledged to evaluate the results, after which the party began replacing provincial and district officials.
That renewal accelerated at the AK Party’s eighth ordinary congress on Feb. 23, 2025. Thirty-nine new members joined its Central Decision and Management Board, renewing 52% of the body.
Further organizational changes followed, including replacements of provincial chairs in 15 provinces.
‘Terror-free Türkiye’ initiative
One of the latest chapters in the AK Party’s quarter-century in politics has been the “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative, which followed a call by MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli in October 2024 and was subsequently backed by Erdoğan.
A parliamentary National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission began work in August 2025 to address terrorism, social integration, national unity, democracy and the rule of law.
The commission adopted its report in February 2026.
A bill setting out the legal framework for the process was submitted to Parliament on Aug. 5, 2026. The legislation links its implementation to an official determination that the PKK terrorist group and affiliated structures have ended their operational existence and surrendered weapons under their control.
Parliament approved the legislation on Aug. 10 with 467 votes in favor, 87 against and seven abstentions.
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