18.05.2026 10:30
The allegations that Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın would switch to the AK Party sparked debate on the political agenda. Responding to the claims at a rally, Akın firmly denied the rumors, saying, "I am a member of the Republican People's Party."
After the Republican People's Party emerged as the leading party nationwide in the March 31, 2024 local elections, the transition of some CHP mayors to the AK Party remains on the political agenda, while allegations about Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın have sparked debate. It was claimed that CHP’s Ahmet Akın would join the AK Party, and Akın responded to the allegations with harsh words.
CLAIM THAT 17 CHP MAYORS SWITCHED TO THE AK PARTY
Since the March 31 local elections, claims that a total of 17 CHP mayors, including one metropolitan and one provincial mayor, have switched to the AK Party continue to be discussed in political circles. Following allegations about Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu and Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Akın has now come to the forefront.
HE RESPONDED TO ALLEGATIONS AT A RALLY
In a speech at his party's rally titled "Protecting the National Will," Ahmet Akın denied the allegations against him. Reacting to rumors that he would join the AK Party, Akın said, "This is gossiping, not politics."
"I AM A MEMBER OF THE REPUBLICAN PEOPLE'S PARTY"
Ahmet Akın included the following statements in his remarks: "I say it once again clearly and plainly before all of you. As a child and soldier of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, I am working wholeheartedly for two great achievements. In summary, I have said it many times, and I will say it again. Dear fellow citizens, party colleagues, I tell you all: I am a member of the Republican People's Party."
Akın's statement was met with applause at the rally.
ERDOĞAN SAID "NEW TRANSITIONS MAY OCCUR"
Meanwhile, in his assessment of the mayors who switched from CHP to the AK Party, President Erdoğan signaled that new additions might occur in the coming period.