Yıldırım Akbulut (Turkish pronunciation: [jɯɫdɯˈɾɯm akbuˈɫut]; 2 September 1935[1][2][3] – 14 April 2021[4]) was a Turkish politician, who was a leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), the Prime Minister of Turkey, and twice the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

He was widely regarded as a 'puppet' of President Özal, who was accused despite his ceremonial and impartial position of calling the shots for the government.

To this date in Turkish politics, 'Yıldırım Akbulut' has become synonymous with 'political puppet', denoting a politician stationed in high office but actually only serving on behalf of another, more powerful superior.

On June 15, 1991 he lost Anavatan Party primaries to Mesut Yilmaz, ending his tenure in office.

On May 20, 1999, Yıldırım Akbulut was elected for the second time Speaker of the Grand National Assembly that lasted until September 30, 2000.