20.08.2025 03:04
After the CHP's Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu joined the AK Party, the possibility of Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and Kütahya Mayor Eyüp Kahveci also switching parties is being discussed. Additionally, it is claimed that independent Çamlıdere Mayor Adem Ceylan and Yozgat Mayor Kazım Arslan from the New Welfare Party may also join the AK Party.
Discussions surrounding transfer allegations related to municipalities governed by the CHP continue to be in the spotlight. The resignation of Özlem Çerçioğlu, who was elected as the Mayor of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality in the March 31, 2024 elections, from her party to join the AK Party has stirred political circles.
NEW TRANSFERS ON THE AGENDA
According to a report by Cumhuriyet; the likelihood of CHP's Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and Eyüp Kahveci, the Mayor who brought victory to the CHP in Kütahya after 74 years, also transitioning to the AK Party is seen as high. Additionally, it is noted that independent Çamlıdere Mayor Adem Ceylan and Yozgat Mayor Kazım Arslan from the New Welfare Party may take similar steps.
BOZBEY RESPONDS
After the allegations, Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey made a statement saying, "We are focused on our work. We will continue to serve Bursa. I don't even consider the claims circulating on social media. Bursa approved us 1.5 years ago. We are continuing this mandate in the way that the people of Bursa want," effectively closing the door on the discussions for now.
"THERE IS A HIGH DEMAND, WE ARE SELECTIVE"
AK Party sources stated that they are being selective in the processes of joining the party, saying, "There is a high demand, but we are accepting selectively." Party members also evaluated the developments with the words, "They already won by nominating candidates from the right. We are reclaiming our candidates."
AK PARTY SATISFIED WITH THE JOININGS
Within the AK Party, these joinings are argued to be important in terms of "morale and motivation." According to this approach, especially after losing elections in metropolitan areas, support coming from the periphery will boost the party's morale and convey the message to the public that "there is no disbandment, there is strengthening."