Süleyman Soylu, the former interior minister who is currently a lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), dismissed rumors of plans to resign from the AKP and launch a new party following a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the presidential palace in Ankara.
Speculation had emerged that Soylu was planning to leave the AKP to start a new political movement. Speaking to the Oda TV news website about the meeting, Soylu said, “It was a discussion with the president. As you can appreciate, it’s confidential.”
Addressing the rumors, Soylu stated, “Challenging Erdoğan’s leadership and founding a new political party is political madness. For those gossiping about me establishing a separate party, I’ve been in politics for 40 years. … Politics is defined by loyalty to Allah, the nation and the truth, not by rumors or schemes. I will continue my struggle within the ranks of the AKP.”
Soylu also emphasized his unwavering support for Erdoğan’s leadership, saying, “I remind you that the leader of our cause is Tayyip Erdoğan. I don’t know how long I’ll live, but I pray that as long as I’m alive, I will continue to vote for our cause, even if it’s on a stretcher or in a wheelchair.”
The meeting and Soylu’s statements come amid growing speculation about potential splits within the AKP and the formation of new political factions.
Soylu’s political career has been marked by controversy and allegations of wrongdoing. Earlier this year, investigative journalist Cevheri Güven released recordings implicating Soylu in a $20 million bribery scandal. Soylu is accused of accepting bribes from Ahmed Nazari, an Iranian involved in a large-scale fake investment scam, and Halil Falyalı, a slain casino boss known for his illegal gambling and drug trafficking operations. The bribes allegedly facilitated Turkish citizenship for Nazari and protected both individuals from police investigations.
During Soylu’s tenure as interior minister, Turkey faced allegations of involvement in international drug trafficking, with mob boss Sedat Peker accusing Soylu and other officials of facilitating cocaine networks in 2021. Soylu, who became interior minister after a coup attempt in July 2016, was instrumental in the widespread purges and arrests of perceived government opponents.