Thousands of demonstrators took to Turkey’s streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, amid a growing corruption scandal rattling his government. Clashes with police erupted in Istanbul, where protesters were teargased.

Over 5,000 people rallied in Istanbul, mainly in the Kadikoy district and in the Besiktas district on Wednesday night, according to AFP. Protests have also taken place in the capital of Ankara, as well as in Izmir and other cities.

Police in Istanbul fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. At least four people have been arrested, according to the Firat news agency.

People hold up placards as they take part in a protest against corruption in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul on December 25, 2013 (AFP Photo / Bulent Kilic)

Late on Wednesday, Erdogan announced a major cabinet reshuffle, replacing 10 key ministers. This came soon after the resignation of the interior, economy, and environment ministers over a high profile corruption investigation, in which the sons of all three ministers are implicated. Environment Minister Erdogan Bayraktar, one of the ministers who resigned, turned against the Turkish leader, urging him to step down.

The scandal and ensuing feud between Erdogan and the judiciary have during the past week reignited anti-government protests against Erdogan’s 11-year rule.
 

The protesters rallying in Istanbul have been shouting slogans such as: "Three ministers' resignation is not enough, the whole government should resign," as well as " corruption is everywhere” and "resistance is everywhere”, Xinhua reported.

More than 10 political parties and organizations have called for protest.

Turkey's prime minister believes the corruption and bribery probe, which undermined his government, is directed against him.

However, he told a group of journalists on Thursday that anyone attempting to enmesh him in the scandal would be "left empty handed," according to Hurriyet, cited by AP.

A demonstrator runs away after throwing a projectile toward riot police spraying tear gas during a demonstration against corruption in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul on December 25, 2013 (AFP Photo / Bulent Kilic)

The cabinet reshuffle Erdogan announced includes appointing loyalist, Efkan Ala, as interior minister. This prompted the opposition to accuse the PM of moving towards authoritarian rule. Erdogan’s critics have used the term “deep state”, which for the Turks means a shadowy power structure.

"He (Erdogan) is trying to put together a cabinet that will not show any opposition to him. In this context, Efkan Ala has a key role," Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the head of the biggest opposition party CHP, said as cited by Reuters. "Erdogan has a ‘deep state’, (his) AK Party has a ‘deep state’ and Efkan Ala is one of the elements of that ‘deep state’."

The opposition believes that by appointing Ala as head of the Interior Ministry, Erdogan is taking the police under his control. Earlier, the outgoing Interior Minister Muammer Guler carried out a significant purge within law enforcement ranks by firing up to 550 police officers, including senior commanders.

Demonstrators run away as they clash with riot police (unseen) during a protest against corruption in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul on December 25, 2013 (AFP Photo / Bulent Kilic)

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