01.07.2026 15:00
Cemil Tugay, the Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, about whom rumors were circulating that he would switch to the AK Party after resigning from the CHP, firmly denied the speculations. Tugay stated that he respects the votes of the people of Izmir and announced that he will continue his duties independently.
The allegations that Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, one of the most talked-about topics in political circles in recent days, would change his party have found an answer. Tugay, who was claimed to have been in close contact with AK Party's staff in Izmir after leaving CHP, put an end to the rumors with his statements to egeligazete.com.
"I NEVER HAD SUCH A REQUEST"
Stating that the allegations about him do not reflect the truth, Mayor Tugay emphasized that he stands behind his previously made political decisions. Drawing attention to the will of the people of Izmir and the trust placed in him, Tugay used the following clear statements:
"I have no such thought; the votes of the people of Izmir are entrusted to me. I will continue on my way while preserving my respect for them. There is definitely no such situation. I never had such a request. We have never had any meeting in this regard with anyone. I continue independently now, as I have done with my previous political decisions."
FOCUSED ON THE PROCESS IN CHP
Tugay, who stated that he spends all his energy on his mayoral duties, noted that he closely follows developments in his former party, CHP. Making evaluations about political processes, Tugay said, "I am following the process regarding the political future of the Republican People's Party. I have a job, I have a duty. I am focused on the mayoral position."
RESPONSE TO NEW PARTY ALLEGATIONS
Also answering questions about the "new party" formations, another topic on the agenda, Mayor Tugay stated that there is currently no concrete political movement. Signaling that he will act according to the course of the process and prioritizing voter will, Tugay concluded his words as follows:
"A new party has not been established yet. I look at the Republican People's Party voters and their will. I am looking at where the process will go to continue in the healthiest way. There is currently no new party, as you know. It is not right to talk about this when there is no new party. Ultimately, there are people who trusted us and gave us these duties, our people. I will continue to do my duty in the best way possible without shaking this trust in any way."