Resignations trigger cabinet reshuffle in Türkiye

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has launched a cabinet reshuffle in the wake of the March 31 elections, prompted by the resignations of Environment and Climate Change Minister Mehmet Özhaseki and Health Minister Fahrettin Koca.

Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, currently serving as Istanbul Provincial Health Director, was appointed as the new Health Minister. Murat Kurum, previously holding various governmental roles, was appointed as the new Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, with the Presidential Decree published on Official Gazette on July 2. 

Kurum was also the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) candidate for İstanbul Metropolitan Mayor seat in March 31 elections. He lost the seat to CHP’s popular candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu.

On July 1, Mehmet Özhaseki announced his resignation via social media, citing health reasons.

“Due to health issues, I have expressed my desire to step down from this sacred duty to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,” Özhaseki said.

Fahrettin Koca’s resignation had been preceded by speculation over the weekend.

Following the resignations, official appointments were published in the Official Gazette to fill the vacancies left by the resignations.

After the March 31 elections delivered setbacks for expectations had grown for substantial changes within the party under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership, including a potential cabinet reshuffle.