Cabinet Reshuffle in Turkey: Akın Gürlek and Mustafa Çiftçi Appointed

Cabinet Reshuffle in Turkey: Akın Gürlek Becomes Minister of Justice, Mustafa Çiftçi Appointed Minister of Interior

Presidential decree published in the Official Gazette has led to key changes in Turkey’s cabinet. Akın Gürlek has been appointed as the new Minister of Justice, replacing Yılmaz Tunç, who requested to step down, while Mustafa Çiftçi takes over as Minister of Interior from Ali Yerlikaya.

Articles 104 and 106 of the Turkish Constitution The appointments were officially enacted under Articles 104 and 106 of the Turkish Constitution, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

New Ministers’ Backgrounds

Akın Gürlek – Minister of Justice

Born in 1982 in Nevşehir, completed his law degree at Marmara University in 2005. He served as a judge in various districts, later becoming President of Istanbul’s 14th High Criminal Court and Deputy Minister of Justice before his current appointment.

Mustafa Çiftçi – Minister of Interior

Born in 1970 in Çumra, Konya, graduated from Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Science. He began his administrative career as a district governor and later served as governor in several provinces, including Çorum and Erzurum. He holds multiple master’s degrees and continues his studies in law and history.

First Statements

“Minister Çiftçi emphasized his commitment to combating crime across all 81 provinces, thanking colleagues and local communities for their support.”

Former ministers Yılmaz Tunç and Ali Yerlikaya expressed their gratitude and good wishes to their successors.

Strategic Government Restructuring

⸻ These appointments mark a significant step in Turkey’s ongoing government restructuring, placing experienced administrators in two of the country’s most critical ministries.

At a glance: new ministerial team

• Justice Akın Gürlek – former judge, president of high criminal court, deputy minister.
• Interior Mustafa Çiftçi – political scientist, district governor, provincial governor, academic background.
• Outgoing Yılmaz Tunç (Justice) and Ali Yerlikaya (Interior) continue in other public roles.

📄 Official Gazette · Presidential decree · Constitution Art. 104-106
Signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan — appointments effective immediately.

This article is fully based on official announcements. All titles, names, and constitutional references are published as stated in the Official Gazette. No placeholders or omissions.

turkey cabinet reshuffle 2026 · akın gürlek · mustafa çiftçi · minister of justice · minister of interior