The first changes in the new presidential cabinet following the May 14-28 elections took place last week, with Health Minister Fahrettin Koca replaced by Kemal Memişoglu, and Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Mehmet Ozaseki replaced by Murat Kurmı.
According to Wall News, Health Minister Koca’s resignation was not a surprise, as it had been rumored for a long time. Ozaseki’s dismissal was a surprise. What was even more surprising was that Ozaseki’s replacement was Murat Kurum, who lost the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayoral election.
The limited changes to the presidential cabinet did not meet the expectations of AKP members, who were increasingly criticized for the cabinet’s formation and called for a major shake-up after the elections.
“It’s not right to make a loser a minister.”
This situation therefore caused discomfort for the AKP, which had expected changes after the elections, with some party members protesting, saying: “It is not right to appoint someone who lost the election as a minister.”
The CHP people are happy.
Kurm’s reappointment as minister brought satisfaction within the CHP. A CHP official said that making Kurm a candidate for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and returning him to the Environment Ministry had the same purpose and goal, especially in construction contracts, and said, “Murat Kurm’s presence there means that Ekrem Imamoglu is collecting points every day. Thanks to him, Ekrem will always be exposed to comparisons and memories will be created. “Imamoğlu does not need PR,” he said.
“What’s needed is a change in systems, not people.”
In the party lobby, more and more people are calling for a review of the presidential system, but when it comes to the cabinet, he said, “We need to change the system, not the people. We need to review the presidential system.” In a presidential system, cabinet members are selected from outside the parliament. Most of them have no political background. A single will determines his appointment and dismissal. He acts only according to that will. He seeks approval and consent. Actions are taken only according to the president, not by the streets, voters, or organizations. His assessment that “this needs to be changed” attracted attention.
