Concern about the political cost of the fund investigation in AKP: 'We lost prestige'

Following the arrest of former minister Fatma Betül Sayan Kaya within the scope of the fund investigation, the future course of the investigation and the political impact of the events on the party are being discussed in the AKP. While the arrest warrant is evaluated in the party lobbies with the words "Justice has been served, his arrest was already expected", it is stated that the process will not be limited to Kaya and new names may also come to the agenda.

AKP sources state that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has a "very harsh" attitude on this issue. Explaining Erdoğan's approach with the words "He will not show mercy to those who look after the orphan", party members give the message that the same attitude will be maintained if the investigation extends to the figures in the party's own circle.

'WE LOST PRESTIGE'

One of the prominent topics in the party lobbies is the damage caused by the events that are the subject of the fund investigation to the public perception of the AKP. While AKP members evaluate the events with the words "We lost prestige", they state that the issue creates a serious political cost for the party. It is stated that allegations of profit and irregularities, which come to the fore especially at a time when citizens are facing economic difficulties, increase the uneasiness of voters.

Sources state that while people are struggling to make ends meet, people who are known for their political identity are mentioned with such allegations, damaging the trust in the party. Behind the scenes, Erdoğan's harsh stance on the issue is evaluated along with the search for redressing this loss of trust. It is stated that Erdoğan is aware of the political damage caused by the events and wants to recover the lost prestige.

'CONSERVATIVE VOTER WAS AWAY'

Within the AKP, attention is drawn to the impact of the events, especially on conservative voters. Party sources state that the fact that people who stand out with their religious identity are also subject to such allegations creates an additional reaction in the conservative segment. According to sources, while the people in this segment are struggling with economic difficulties, there is discomfort in people who define themselves as religious coming to the fore with claims of unfair gain.

It is evaluated in the party lobbies that this reaction brings about a move away from the AKP. For this reason, it is stated that what happened is not only discussed in its judicial dimension, but also its impact on the relationship with the voters. While AKP members express that there is a serious concern about losing votes within the party, they also point out that how the investigation will proceed is important in this respect.

'NEW NAMES WILL COME TO THE AGENDA'

Considering Kaya's arrest as an expected development, AKP sources express the opinion that the scope of the investigation will expand. While it is rumored in the party lobbies that new names will be on the agenda, no concrete information is shared about who these names will be. While explaining Erdoğan's approach to the issue, sources highlight the message that party affiliation or political affiliation will not provide protection. AKP members say, "We will not pity any name, even if it is ours," and state that no attitude will be taken based on the names the investigation involves.

'THE REAL TARGET IS ERDOĞAN' CLAIM

On the other hand, a different evaluation is made in the AKP lobbies regarding the political meaning of the events. Some party members claim that the people involved in the transactions subject to the investigation have set up a "conspiracy" against Erdoğan. Sources expressing this view claim that what happened was intended to harm the AKP and Erdoğan. Party members make the assessment that "the real target was Erdoğan" and interpret the progress of the investigation and the arrest decision as "their game has been spoiled".

Thus, while the loss of prestige caused by the events and the voter reaction are talked about in the party lobbies, on the other hand, the claim is made that this situation is the result of an attempt targeting Erdoğan. The sources who voiced the allegation also state that the investigation should be expanded and those responsible should be dealt with, regardless of their closeness to the party.