Üstel: We Don’t Discuss Cabinet Changes With Ankara

Speaking by phone on TV 2020’s “Gündem Özel,” Üstel asserted that, since taking office, his priority has been completing unfinished projects. “If I planned to replace a minister, I wouldn’t offer the post to anyone in advance,” he remarked.

Üstel added that all six ministers will remain in place until the presidential vote. He also addressed the failure of two key bills—the Police Organisation Bill and an amendment to remove preferential voting in elections—to reach the floor after several MPs left the chamber, breaking the quorum. Although the Assembly has adjourned for its recess, he said an extraordinary session will be called in the coming days to take up both measures.

Turning to internal party discipline, Üstel acknowledged dissent within the National Unity Party (UBP) and said the party’s disciplinary board would act against members who violate party rules. “Some have filled the cup to overflowing,” he noted, adding that rumours of a split are being spread by certain media outlets.

On the proposed abolition of preferential voting, Üstel recalled that invalid ballots accounted for 40 percent of the vote in the last election and 60 percent in the one before. “Parties should compete on vision,” he said, arguing that the current system hinders new candidates.

Responding to speculation about early elections, Üstel insisted that only UBP can decide such a move. “We are always ready for an election, but we do not talk about it. We will not call one just because someone asks,” he stated.

Üstel reiterated that the UBP base will rally behind incumbent President Ersin Tatar in October. He also cited demographic projections showing the population at about 590,000.

Source: 2020