AKP figure reacts to 'political transfers': 'We'll see in the elections'

A prominent figure within Turkey's ruling AKP party has voiced strong criticism against the practice of politicians switching parties, particularly when they retain their elected positions. Şamil Tayyar, a member of the AKP, took to social media to express his disapproval, calling for regulations to curb such "political transfers."

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It is time, and past time, to establish a rule for transfers that make the political institution controversial.

Tayyar stated that he had spoken with individuals from various political backgrounds who shared his view that politicians switching parties is detrimental. He observed a shift in public sentiment on social media, noting that accounts aligned with the AKP were expressing unprecedented opposition to these transfers.

"It is time, and past time, to establish a rule for transfers that make the political institution controversial," Tayyar wrote. He argued that while individuals should be free to engage in politics wherever they choose, changing parties while retaining a seat won under a different party's banner should be prohibited. Exceptions, he suggested, could be made for party closures or expulsions, or if the politician chooses to remain independent.

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Anyone can engage in politics wherever they want, but changing parties while retaining their office should be banned.

His comments follow recent events where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan formally welcomed politicians who had left other parties to join the AKP. This included Nimet Özdemir, a lawmaker who resigned from the main opposition CHP in Istanbul, and Levent Koç, the mayor of Haymana, who also left the CHP. Tayyar believes that, barring very specific and exceptional situations, these transfers offer no real benefit to any political party and that the ultimate judgment will come during elections.

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Except for very special and exceptional situations, I do not think these transfers will benefit any party. We will see in the elections.