Türkiye Names New Justice and Interior Ministers Following Presidential Decrees

Türkiye has appointed new ministers for Justice and Interior following presidential decrees by President Erdoğan. Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gürlek replaces Yılmaz Tunc as justice minister, while Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi succeeds Ali Yerlikaya as interior minister. Both appointments took effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette. Outgoing ministers expressed gratitude for their service and wished their successors success.

Türkiye has recently undergone significant changes in its government leadership with the appointment of new ministers to the Justice and Interior Ministries, following presidential decrees signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. These decrees, which were formally published in the Official Gazette, mark an important shift in the country’s cabinet at a time when both domestic governance and regional stability remain key priorities for the government.
According to the official decrees, Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akin Gürlek has been appointed as the new justice minister, replacing Yılmaz Tunc, who had served in the position since June 2023. Gürlek, a prominent figure in Turkey’s legal system, is expected to oversee ongoing judicial reforms and ensure the effective administration of justice across the country. At the same time, Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi has been named as the new interior minister, taking over from Ali Yerlikaya, who has held the office since June 4, 2023. Çiftçi’s appointment comes as the Interior Ministry continues to play a crucial role in maintaining internal security, managing law enforcement agencies, and coordinating responses to emergencies nationwide.
These appointments were carried out in accordance with Articles 104 and 106 of the Turkish Constitution, which outline the powers of the president to nominate and appoint ministers, as well as the responsibilities and authority vested in them. The transition of leadership reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional efficiency and align ministerial oversight with current policy priorities.
Following the announcement, Ali Yerlikaya shared a statement on social media, confirming that he had officially handed over the duties of the Interior Ministry to Mustafa Çiftçi. In his message, Yerlikaya expressed gratitude to President Erdoğan for the trust placed in him and for the support he received during his tenure. He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the ministry’s personnel, emphasizing their vital role in ensuring public safety, maintaining law and order, and responding to challenges that affect communities across Türkiye. Yerlikaya concluded by wishing his successor success, noting the importance of continued dedication to the ministry’s responsibilities.
Similarly, Yılmaz Tunc issued a public statement following the appointment of Akin Gürlek as justice minister. Tunc reflected on his time in office, highlighting the honor of serving alongside President Erdoğan and contributing to the ruling party’s initiatives. He described his tenure as justice minister, which began in June 2023, as a period of significant responsibility, during which efforts were made to implement reforms designed to strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law, and modernize the judicial system. Tunc emphasized that these reforms have been central to the government’s agenda over the past 23 years and remain critical to Türkiye’s continued development. He extended his congratulations to Akin Gürlek and expressed confidence that his successor would uphold the standards and responsibilities required of the position.
Both appointments took immediate effect upon publication in the Official Gazette, signaling the formal commencement of the new ministers’ duties. These changes are viewed as part of a broader strategy to enhance governance, promote institutional accountability, and ensure that key government departments continue to operate effectively in service of the public. Observers note that the selection of experienced and high-ranking officials for these positions underscores the administration’s focus on maintaining stability while pursuing ongoing reforms in both the justice and interior sectors.