So, I wandered through the corridors of the AKP headquarters and the Ministry of Interior, searching for answers. Here are the notes from my discussions with four different sources:

• Soylu attributes the government's failures in local elections to the lack of implementation of his strategy. He is spreading the narrative that "they couldn't win without me." He doesn't want to see the CHP win in Gaziosmanpaşa, where he grew up and started his political career.

• In this environment, Soylu wants to regain power. He had high expectations of becoming vice president or, at the very least, deputy chairman responsible for the AKP organization. However, this demand has not yet been met.

• There is also the matter of the Police Chiefs Decree. It was expected to be published in June, but it is alleged that the process has stalled because of Soylu. It is even said that the appointment decisions have changed twice. The crisis revolves around whether to eliminate Soylu's influence within the Ministry of Interior. Despite what some might think, Soylu still holds significant sway within the state. Many provincial police chiefs, administrative managers, and even gendarmerie staff are known for their loyalty to Soylu. He is fighting to maintain this power.

• Soylu does not feel secure as long as Ali Yerlikaya occupies the position of Minister of Interior. He plans his moves partly to undermine Yerlikaya. Despite receiving support from figures like Mehmet Uçum in the Palace, the final decision rests with President Erdoğan. Soylu's actions aim to capture Erdoğan's attention. He has long told his close circle, "I am not an AKP member. No one supports me; I am only loyal to Erdoğan."

• Soylu's fate now depends on Erdoğan. If the president does not give him the recognition he seeks, will Soylu resign from the AKP? According to a conspiracy theory, yes. Soylu's other potential destination is the MHP, but it is believed that the MHP would not accept Soylu as an outsider. Thus, while Soylu is unlikely to leave politics, if his "disappointment" continues, could he start a new party? It's not being ruled out entirely.

Discontent with Albayrak in AKP

If Soylu makes a move, will Berat Albayrak, whom he has clashed with before, stay silent?

He didn't. Like Soylu, Albayrak presented himself as the "true hero" of July 15 on its anniversary. The headlines in Sabah and A Haber, which he controls, read:

"On July 15, he was the closest to President Erdoğan: Berat Albayrak. He never left his side! He took his ablution, prayed, and initiated the process."

The headline suggests that Albayrak, being closest to Erdoğan, led the resistance against the July 15 coup attempt. However, delving into the details, it becomes clear that the story resurrects a speech Albayrak made years ago, recounting how Erdoğan prayed before leaving Marmaris and how Albayrak was with him during these moments.

I write this because I learned that this "news" caused discomfort within the ruling party. AKP officials shared the news on WhatsApp, expressing that "the perception that Berat Albayrak managed the July 15 process is spreading, and they have gone beyond stealing the spotlight."

Rumors of a 'New Transfer to CHP'

Last week in Ankara, I heard a rumor, and upon returning to Istanbul, the same buzz reached my ears. Allegedly, İYİ Party Ankara MP Kürşad Zorlu is considering transferring to the CHP. He has reportedly discussed this idea with some CHP members, including either Ekrem İmamoğlu or Gökhan Günaydın, depending on the source.

I reached out to Zorlu, a former İYİ Party spokesperson, to ask about this "transfer to CHP" rumor:

• There is talk that you are considering joining the CHP and have even had meetings for this purpose, including with İmamoğlu.

That's not true. I am in my party and will continue to fight here until the end.

• Did you meet with İmamoğlu last week?

No such thing happened. I am doing everything I can to uplift my party.

• But I have information that you met with İmamoğlu.

That meeting was not related to this.

Shortly after our conversation, Zorlu called back, this time insisting, "There was definitely no meeting. I have always remained silent even during my party's toughest times. I am fighting for İYİ Party. A transfer to CHP is not on my agenda."

No doubt, time will tell what will happen. I'll conclude with the latest statement from İYİ Party General President Müsavat Dervişoğlu regarding resignations from his party: "These things happen in politics. There could be more, and I might personally request the resignation of some individuals who do not fulfill or bear the responsibility. This is normal and happens in other parties as well."