Establishment of the Vice Presidency

Before 2018, Turkey did not have the position of vice president. Executive authority was shared between the prime minister and the president. With the abolition of the prime minister’s office following the 2018 elections, the vice presidency was introduced to assist the president in executive duties. The president directly appoints one or more vice presidents, and they are not elected through a popular vote.

Role and Responsibilities

The vice president acts on behalf of the president in cases of absence, illness, or vacancy. In the event that the presidency becomes vacant, the vice president serves as acting president until new elections are held. Vice presidents also oversee specific policy areas, coordinate ministries, represent the government in official meetings, and contribute to economic, social, and administrative decision-making.

Fuat Oktay (2018–2023)

Fuat Oktay was the first vice president of Turkey, appointed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in July 2018. With a background in engineering and public administration, Oktay played a key role in shaping the early implementation of the presidential system. He focused heavily on economic coordination, public sector reforms, and crisis management, particularly during periods of financial volatility and the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure helped define the operational structure of the vice presidency.

Cevdet Yılmaz (2023–Present)

Following the 2023 presidential elections, Cevdet Yılmaz was appointed as vice president. A seasoned politician and former minister, Yılmaz brought extensive experience in economic planning and development. His responsibilities have emphasized economic stability, development strategies, and fiscal coordination, especially during a period of inflation control and structural reforms. His appointment signaled continuity combined with a renewed focus on economic governance.

Significance of the Vice Presidency

The vice presidency has become an important pillar of Turkey’s executive system. By centralizing authority and ensuring administrative continuity, the role supports faster decision-making and stronger coordination across government institutions. As the presidential system continues to evolve, vice presidents are expected to play an increasingly influential role in shaping policy and governance.

Conclusion

The vice presidents of Turkey, though few in number so far, have had a significant impact on the country’s modern political structure. From establishing the framework of the office to managing economic and administrative challenges, they represent a key element of Turkey’s contemporary executive leadership. If you want, I can also rewrite this in active voice, add a meta description, or adjust the word count.