Election Of Numan Kurtulmus As Tbmm Speaker Marks 21 Years Of Turkeys Ak Party

Election of Numan Kurtulmuş as TBMM Speaker Marks 21 Years of Turkey's AK Party

Introduction

Members of Turkey's Grand National Assembly (TBMM) have elected Numan Kurtulmuş as their new speaker, marking a significant milestone in the country's political landscape.

The election of Kurtulmuş coincides with the 21st anniversary of the founding of Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AK Party), a period that has witnessed significant political and economic transformation in the country.

Numan Kurtulmuş Elected TBMM Speaker

Numan Kurtulmuş, a former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, was elected as the new speaker of the TBMM on February 24, 2023.

Kurtulmuş, a member of the AK Party, received the majority of votes in a secret ballot, defeating his rivals from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

His election marks a significant shift in the leadership of the TBMM, which had been headed by Mustafa Şentop of the AK Party since 2019.

21 Years of the AK Party: Milestones and Achievements

The AK Party was founded on August 14, 2001, by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has served as Turkey's president since 2014.

During its 21 years in power, the AK Party has implemented a series of reforms and policies that have left a lasting impact on Turkey's political, economic, and social landscape.

• Economic Growth: Under the AK Party's leadership, Turkey has experienced sustained economic growth, with GDP increasing by over 50% since 2002.
• Political Stability: The AK Party has maintained political stability in Turkey, despite facing challenges from opposition parties and terrorist organizations.
• EU Membership Bid: The AK Party has pursued Turkey's bid to join the European Union, although negotiations have been slow and complex.

Challenges and Prospects

As the AK Party enters its third decade in power, it faces a number of challenges, including:

• Economic Headwinds: Turkey's economy is facing headwinds due to high inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
• Political Polarization: Political polarization in Turkey remains high, with the AK Party facing criticism from opposition parties and some segments of society.
• Foreign Policy Challenges: Turkey faces complex foreign policy challenges in its relations with regional and global powers.

Conclusion

The election of Numan Kurtulmuş as TBMM speaker and the 21st anniversary of the AK Party's founding are important milestones in Turkey's political history.

As the AK Party enters its third decade in power, it faces a number of challenges but also has the potential to continue shaping Turkey's future in the years to come.