“Point Zero” of Politics: A Transition Scenario for Türkiye Post-Election
The end of an era and the quest for a new beginning; in Turkish political history, elections are not merely about the results emerging from the ballot box, but are also society’s search for a ‘new social contract.’ In particular, the allegations surrounding the use of public resources, tender processes, and the relationship with state institutions necessitate the establishment of not just a new government, but a new ‘order of law and transparency’ following the election.
So, after a process filled with such exhaustion and allegations, how can a new administration repair this damage?
The First 100 Days: Stopping the Bleeding When you take over the administration of a state, the first 100 days are not about ‘showcase projects’ but a period of ‘assessment and stabilization.’ The primary goal during this timeframe is to place the gears of the system on a rational and transparent foundation:
Taking an X-ray Transparently revealing the true dimensions of the Treasury and public liabilities.
Restoring Confidence Rebuilding the trust of market players and citizens in institutions like the Central Bank and TURKSTAT through merit-based appointments.
Administrative Pause Temporarily freezing large-scale expenditures until the flow of public resources is fully understood.
Legal Accountability or Revenge? This is the most critical threshold. In a country where social polarization is deep, there is a fine line between the demand that ‘corruption must be accounted for’ and the risk of a ‘new political revanchism.’
The accountability process must be conducted not with a thirst for revenge, but through ‘universal principles of law.’
The path to this requires:
- The establishment of special anti-corruption prosecutor’s offices that will not fall under political influence.
- The complete independence of institutions such as the Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) and MASAK.
- The implementation of asset recovery mechanisms that meet international standards.
Systemic Transformation: Facing the Truth Prosecuting individuals is merely a result. True success lies in closing the systemic loopholes — such as arbitrary appointments, opaque tender processes, and the lack of oversight — that created this ‘culture of corruption.’ For Türkiye, this is not just a change in government, but a process of institutions returning to a state of ‘collective reason.’
As we approach 2027, Türkiye’s greatest test is not just economic restoration, but the repair of social trust. Confronting the mistakes of the past should be viewed not as a tool for a rematch, but as a method for democratic cleansing while laying the foundations for the future.
A strong state survives not through its secrets, but through its transparency. The reconstruction of Türkiye will begin precisely on the day that this transparency is established. If the new administration fails to manage this process correctly, it is highly probable that they will not be re-elected in the following election.