Nevşehir Mayor Faces Scrutiny Amidst Reports of Potential Return to AKP
Nevşehir Mayor Rasim Arı, of the İyi Party, is facing questions after publicly praising the appointment of Akın Gürlek as Turkey’s Justice Minister – a move that drew criticism from İyi Party leader Müsavat Dervişoğlu. Reports have surfaced suggesting Arı may be considering a return to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the party he previously belonged to before resigning in 2021.
Arı expressed his support for Gürlek’s appointment on social media, stating, “Today, thankfully, our fellow countryman, Mr. Akın Gürlek, has been appointed as Minister of Justice. Our Nevşehir native has taken on an important responsibility of the state. We believe that a person raised with a strong sense of justice from these lands will fulfill his duty properly. We are proud on behalf of our city.”
Speculation of a Return to the AKP
Arı’s public endorsement of Gürlek, while the İyi Party leadership voiced opposition, sparked speculation about a potential shift in allegiance. The claims prompted Arı to address the rumors during an appearance on TV100. He acknowledged that the question of a possible return to the AKP is frequently raised in Nevşehir, but cautioned against drawing premature conclusions.
“It’s not right to cut a cloth for an unborn child,” Arı reportedly said. “there is nothing like that. I have not received such a request or invitation to join from our President.”
Arı’s previous affiliation with the AKP ended in January 2021 when he resigned from his position as Nevşehir Mayor and from the party itself, citing “health reasons.” However, his subsequent statement following his resignation – “Do not engage in FETÖ remnants. These are FETÖ tactics. You accused other innocent people of being FETÖ members because you learned from them” – drew significant attention and raised questions about his motivations.
The potential defection of Arı comes amidst a broader trend of political maneuvering within Turkey. Recent analysis suggests that Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), a key ally of President Erdoğan’s AKP, wields considerable influence within the ruling coalition. According to Murat Yetkin, a political analyst, Bahçeli is a “talented tactician” who “intervenes at the most opportune time,” effectively shaping state governance without bearing direct responsibility.
The timing of these developments follows the local elections in March 2024, which saw the AKP experience setbacks. Following the elections, there have been discussions within the AKP about the perceived benefits enjoyed by the MHP within the People’s Alliance, leading to some discontent within AKP ranks. President Erdoğan has postponed a full reckoning of the election results until a party congress expected in October.
Adding to the political landscape, reports indicate that several other politicians may be considering joining the AKP. Sinan Burhan, General Publication Director of Millet News Agency, claimed that 7-8 more members of parliament and municipal leaders are in talks to join the party in the coming days.
Rasim Arı’s future political path remains uncertain, but the speculation surrounding his potential return to the AKP underscores the fluid and often unpredictable nature of Turkish politics. His comments suggest a willingness to keep his options open, while simultaneously denying any current invitation or agreement with the ruling party.
