04.04.2026 11:31
The CHP's Eşme Mayor Yılmaz Tozan stated that the events related to Özkan Yalım have been known within the party for a long time, that it was not a surprise for him, and that the process has harmed both the CHP and Uşak, saying, "I have warned him several times about his private life. However, each time he said, 'Nothing will happen.'"
A 21-year-old municipal employee caught in an inappropriate situation with his girlfriend in a hotel room in Ankara, and subsequently arrested and suspended from duty under accusations of "establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime," "manipulating a tender," and "extortion and bribery," has caused a crisis within the CHP regarding developments about Uşak Mayor Özkan Yalım.
Speaking to Yeni Şafak, CHP's Eşme Mayor Yılmaz Tozan stated that the incident had been known within the party for a long time, saying, "There have been rumors circulating in Uşak for a long time. It was not a surprise for us. It was surprising for those looking from the outside. Unfortunately, Uşak has come to be associated with this incident in a negative way," he said.
"I WARNED HIM REPEATEDLY"
Tozan expressed that there was a prevailing sadness due to the developments at the CHP General Headquarters, stating that he had spoken with the Chairman and his assistants, saying, "I can say that the Chairman is genuinely upset. It is believed that the incident has caused serious harm to the party," he stated.
Tozan mentioned that there had been various disagreements with Yalım within the party before, noting that there were problems during the delegate election process, some administrators resigned, and there was serious opposition in the municipal council. Tozan said, "I can't say that Yalım is very loved within the party. I have known him since 2015. Our relationship started well, but it has seriously deteriorated in the last year and a half. I warned him several times about his private life. However, he always said, 'Nothing will happen,'" he said.
"HE WILL PROBABLY BE EXPELLED"
Tozan indicated that there is an expectation for the disciplinary process to be initiated within the party, stating that Yalım would be expelled from the party. Tozan said, "Such things are not easily accepted where we are. People reacted strongly to the incident for this reason. There is no defense for this," he said.
"HE HARMED BOTH THE CITY AND THE PARTY"
Tozan stated that the events have caused unease both within the party and in the city, saying, "A climate of fear has emerged. Nevertheless, we will not refrain from saying what we believe is right. What has happened has harmed both the party and the city we are in," he stated.
HE ALSO TOUCHED ON THE CANDIDACY PROCESS
Tozan also touched on Özkan Yalım's candidacy process, stating that there was no primary election in the region and that the candidate was determined by the Central Headquarters. Tozan said, "We entered the elections with candidates determined from the center and we were successful. We won about 9 out of 17 municipalities," he said.