AKP faces internal unease over new member transfers ahead of anniversary

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is preparing to mark its 24th anniversary on August 14 with more than just celebrations; the event is slated to include the induction of new members. Among those expected to join are Sakarya lawmaker Ümit Dikbayır, who left the İYİ Party for the CHP and then became an independent, and Gaziantep lawmaker Mehmet Mustafa Gürban from the İYİ Party. Plans are also in motion for several mayors from different parties to receive their AKP badges during the ceremony.

The party leadership reportedly aims to leverage these new affiliations as a display of political power. However, this strategy of attracting defectors has sparked internal debate and dissatisfaction. Sources within the party suggest that the rapid appointment of some new members to significant roles, even within the Central Decision-Making Board (MYK), has caused unrest among cadres who have dedicated years to the AKP's grassroots organization. "While people who have worked for the party for years are waiting, yesterday's arrivals are finding positions in leadership, which bothers the grassroots," a party source commented, reflecting a sentiment of demotivation among long-serving members.

The discontent is not limited to parliamentary transfers. The influx of mayors from other parties into the AKP has generated similar criticisms within local party organizations. While the AKP leadership seeks to bolster its influence in local governance, party structures reportedly struggle to explain and justify these transfers to the base. The upcoming anniversary event is thus anticipated to be a significant platform not only for celebration but also for announcing these new political alignments, though the internal friction suggests a complex reception.

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While people who have worked for the party for years are waiting, yesterday's arrivals are finding positions in leadership, which bothers the grassroots.