29.01.2026 09:02
Meeting with the youth, ABB President Mansur Yavaş stated that the recent major problem in Ankara, water cuts, has been exaggerated. Yavaş noted that 98% of households receive water and asked the young people, "Raise your hand if your water has been cut off at home." It was striking that about half of the young people raised their hands, and Yavaş responded, "Yes, it's half and half. Now you are planning water cuts; how will you provide water to those who do not receive water without planned cuts for 2-3 hours?"
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş made evaluations regarding the water cuts experienced in the city during a conversation with young people.
Claiming that the water cuts are exaggerated, Yavaş said, "Despite providing 98% water... To be honest, I have never experienced a water cut in my house. I have a reservoir in my building. I believe that a large majority of Ankara does not suffer from water shortages."
HALF OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE RAISED THEIR HANDS
Continuing his speech, Yavaş stated, "They are exaggerating the water cuts in Ankara; the percentage of those who are left without water in Ankara does not exceed two percent." He then asked the young people in the hall, "Those who have had their water cut at home, raise your hands." It was notable that about half of the young people raised their hands. In response, Yavaş said, "Yes, it's half and half. Now you are making planned water cuts; how will you provide water to those who have not received water without making a planned water cut for 2-3 hours?"
HARSH WORDS FROM GÖKÇEK
Following the spread of these images on social media, former Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor İbrahim Melih Gökçek reacted harshly. In a post on his X account, Gökçek stated, "Mansur has been disgraced, Mansur has been humiliated, it has been revealed that Mansur lied... Mansur is devastated... Now let’s watch together how Mansur is embarrassed in front of the youth..."
CRITICISM FROM ALTINOK
Another reaction regarding the water cuts came from former Keçiören Mayor Turgut Altınok. In a social media post, Altınok stated, "He has no knowledge of either Ankara, the problems, or the solutions. He has lost all control and continues to disgrace both Ankara and himself. The youth have confronted the reality; due to his incompetence, Ankara is suffering from drought, Mansur Yavaş!"