Reports indicate that Cemil Tugay, the mayor of Izmir, is expected to officially join the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) during a parliamentary group meeting on October 7. Following a recent meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speculation regarding his political shift intensified. If confirmed, this move would mark a significant development for the AK Party, as it has historically struggled to secure leadership in the Izmir region, a traditional stronghold for the Republican People's Party (CHP). This potential defection follows a broader trend, with 44 mayors elected under the CHP banner having joined the ruling party since the 2024 local elections. The CHP has faced internal instability recently, including the departure of various lawmakers and local officials, further altering the political landscape within the country's municipal governance.
Source : Daily Sabah
Photo : Daily Sabah
