Tunç denies rift with MHP over new judicial package

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TÜRKİYE

Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç has officially denied rumors of a disagreement between the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) regarding upcoming legal reforms, while criticizing opposition rhetoric against the judiciary.

Addressing recent claims of a rift within the People's Alliance following statements by MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız, Tunç clarified that both parties remain aligned on the scope of the 12th Judicial Package. He emphasized that the primary objective for the legal year 2026 is to significantly accelerate civil and administrative judicial proceedings.

No Disagreement Within the People's Alliance

Minister Tunç responded to interpretations of MHP's Feti Yıldız's call for a comprehensive new execution law, which Yıldız had described as a "patched bundle." Tunç explained that while different legal perspectives exist, there is no political rift.

"There is an impression that MHP and our ministry think differently because we stated that the 12th Judicial Package does not currently include a new execution arrangement," Tunç stated. He further noted that whether the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) initiates a specific study on "justice in execution" remains at the total discretion of the Parliament.

Timeline for the 12th Judicial Package

The Minister shared the anticipated timeline for the next phase of judicial reforms. He indicated that the 12th Judicial Package is expected to be submitted to the Parliament by February, depending on the legislative calendar.

"The 2026 goal is the acceleration of legal and administrative trials," Tunç said. He noted that the package will primarily include regulations aimed at streamlining litigation processes.

Criticism of CHP Leadership and Judicial Trust

Minister Tunç also targeted Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel for his recent criticisms of the judiciary following investigations into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). Tunç described Özel’s remarks as "exceeding the limits" of acceptable criticism.

"The judiciary of the Republic of Türkiye has become a system that holds both coup plotters and the corrupt accountable," Tunç stated. He argued that dismissing a 4,000-page indictment as empty is a propaganda move that undermines public trust. He also described Özel's comparison of President Erdoğan with Venezuelan leader Maduro as an "unfortunate and inappropriate" attempt to question the legitimacy of a democratically elected leader.

Statistical Overview of Recent Releases

Regarding the impact of previous reforms, Minister Tunç provided specific data on the 11th Judicial Package. According to the Minister, the implementation of recent regulations has led to the following changes in the prison population:

• Total Releases: 39,271 individuals have been released under the 11th Judicial Package.

• Facility Transfers: 28,352 individuals have been transferred from closed prisons to open correctional facilities.

Tunç concluded by reiterating that the ministry remains focused on the "Yargı Reformu Strateji Belgesi" (Judicial Reform Strategy Document) to further modernize the Turkish legal system throughout the year.

www.wisenewspress.com