BEYKOZ, ISTANBUL — In a wide-ranging and consequential address delivered during a massive field mobilization in Istanbul, AK Party Deputy Chairman and Spokesperson Ömer Çelik provided critical updates on the Turkish government’s domestic and international priorities. Speaking from the Beykoz district as part of the "Turkey Century Meetings," Çelik addressed a series of high-profile issues ranging from internal party restructuring and high-stakes financial investigations to the nation’s firm stance against
international aggression at the United Nations.
The "Turkey Century Meetings" represent a significant logistical undertaking by the ruling party, involving simultaneous programs across all 39 districts of Istanbul. According to party data, the initiative includes 1,494 individual programs and a field presence of over 7,000 organization members, including ministers and members of parliament. It was within this context of direct public engagement that Çelik made several announcements that are expected to shape the political discourse in the coming months.
Structural Changes and the Resignation of Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya
One of the most immediate developments shared by Çelik was the departure of Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya from her senior leadership roles within the party. Kaya, a prominent figure who has served in various ministerial and high-level party capacities, has officially requested to be "excused" from her duties—a formal procedure in Turkish political life that signals a voluntary resignation from specific administrative roles.
"The request for excuse from duty by Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya has been accepted," Çelik informed the press and party members. "As of this moment, she is no longer a member of our Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK) or our Central Executive Board (MYK)."
While Çelik did not elaborate extensively on the personal reasons behind the request, he framed the transition within the party’s broader commitment to political and administrative responsibility. He noted that while the party adheres to the principle of the presumption of innocence in all matters, the political dimension of such transitions is handled with the utmost seriousness. "Our friends demonstrate this political responsibility. When the legal situation becomes clear in any given matter, we will take the necessary steps. For now, there is no hesitation in doing what is required by political accountability," he added.
Zero Tolerance for Irregularities: The ‘Fund Crisis’ Investigation
Addressing a topic that has dominated headlines recently—referred to by the public as the "fund crisis"—Çelik delivered a stern warning to those involved in financial misconduct. He emphasized that the AK Party remains the primary address for "clean society and clean politics" in Turkey and that no one, regardless of their position, would be exempt from scrutiny.
"Regarding the agenda known as the fund crisis, our party’s boards have been working meticulously since the first day under the instructions of our President," Çelik stated. "Our principles are clear. Those who commit irregularities, engage in corruption, or create victimization through exploitation will be held accountable. This is not a suggestion; it is a certainty."
Çelik highlighted that a multi-institutional effort is currently underway to untangle the complexities of the investigation. This involves the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance working in full coordination. The spokesperson underscored that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s directive—"Whoever does wrong will be held accountable"—serves as the sole compass for the ongoing process.
Crucially, Çelik sought to reassure the public and financial markets regarding the stability of the national economy. "There is no systemic risk to our financial system or the Turkish economy," he clarified. "This is a crisis that emerged within a limited segment of the capital markets, centered around a specific fund. We will go after this, the responsible parties will pay the price, and we are initiating administrative and judicial measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated."
He further noted that all regulatory and audit institutions are actively on duty, operating under the principles of transparency and accountability. "No one can seize the savings of the nation, no one can lie to the people, and no one can manipulate the public with economic schemes. We will not allow an assassination attempt against the labor and sweat of our citizens," he declared.
International Criticism: The UN General Assembly and the ‘Genocide Network’
Turning his attention to the international stage, Çelik launched a scathing critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent appearance at the United Nations General Assembly. He contrasted Netanyahu’s rhetoric with the humanitarian principles advocated by President Erdoğan, who has consistently called for a more equitable global order.
"If the United Nations is to represent a rules-based order, it can only do so by implementing the principles our President expressed in his latest speech," Çelik argued. "Otherwise, this symbolism will eventually destroy the UN itself. It is a source of shame for everyone that Netanyahu, who should be standing in a defendant’s dock, has turned the UN podium into a propaganda stage for massacre and genocide."
Çelik suggested that Netanyahu’s attempts to frame the ongoing conflict as a bilateral issue between Turkey and Israel are a calculated distraction. "Netanyahu wants to turn this into a matter between Turkey and Israel for his own electoral reasons. But the issue is clear: this is a struggle between a genocide network and humanity. Turkey is the strongest member of this ‘humanity alliance,’ and our President is its most powerful voice."
He reaffirmed that Turkey would not remain silent, regardless of the cost, in its opposition to what he described as enemies of humanity. "We are proud to have a leader who stands on the right side of history during these great tests of our time. We consider ourselves fortunate to be part of a cadre led by someone who refuses to be a bystander to atrocity."
The Path to the Next Elections: Erdoğan as the Consensus Candidate
In a move to stifle domestic political speculation, Çelik also confirmed the AK Party and the People’s Alliance’s stance regarding the next presidential election. He stated unequivocally that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan remains the sole candidate for the alliance.
"The presidential candidate of the AK Party and the People’s Alliance is our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan," Çelik said. "The AK Party has made the strongest possible statements on this matter, and our alliance partner, Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, has also made very powerful declarations. We express our gratitude to Mr. Bahçeli for his clear and determined stance."
Çelik dismissed opposition discussions regarding the candidacy as internal speculation and "self-serving maneuvers." He argued that in a world plagued by crises, Erdoğan stands out as the only leader capable of successful crisis management and the persistent pursuit of peace. "While others provoke war, our President is the only leader insisting on a peace table in Istanbul. Therefore, by the common will of our organization and our principles, he is our candidate for the upcoming elections."
Rebuttal to the Opposition: Critiquing the CHP and Özgür Özel
The spokesperson did not mince words when addressing the criticisms leveled by the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel. Çelik accused the CHP leadership of failing to manage its own internal integrity while attempting to criticize the government.
"The last thing Mr. Özgür Özel should do in his life is criticize our President," Çelik remarked. "He has allowed the party he calls ‘Atatürk’s legacy’ to be captured by networks of corruption and organizational theft under his own management. While these networks were hollowing out the CHP, Mr. Özel stood by helplessly or remained silent."
Çelik characterized the opposition’s attacks as "insidious political lynching campaigns" and asserted that the AK Party’s internal administrative decisions are driven by its own dynamics and principles, not by the demands of the opposition. "We do not accept anything they try to dictate to us. Instead of running lynching campaigns against us, they should account for how they surrendered a deep-rooted party like the CHP to corruption networks. Once they have answered for that, then they can speak to the AK Party."
A Focus on Field Work and Public Engagement
Following the press conference, Çelik continued his itinerary in Beykoz, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to the grassroots. The "Turkey Century Meetings" are designed to facilitate direct dialogue between the state’s highest officials and the citizenry, ensuring that the government’s "road map" is understood at the household level.
"We are looking at our work. Our principles are clear, and our road map is clear," Çelik concluded. "The instructions given to us by our President are precise: protect and strengthen the principle of clean society and clean politics. We will continue to fortify transparency and accountability."
The event in Beykoz was attended by several local and regional officials, including Beykoz Deputy Mayor Özlem Vural Gürzel, AK Party Beykoz District Chairman Özcan Ayduğan, District Women’s Branch Chair Nursel Şahin, and District Youth Branch Chair Muhammet Hakkı Akgül. Following his statements to the media, Çelik concluded his visit by meeting with local officials at the Beykoz Municipality to discuss district-level projects and citizen concerns.
