27.08.2026 20:40
Beylikdüzü Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık, who was detained in the İBB operation and then suspended from duty, has made his decision regarding whether to join the New Party. Çalık, one of the figures close to Ekrem İmamoğlu, announced that he will remain in the CHP.
After being arrested in the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality operation and suspended from his post, Beylikdüzü Mayor Mehmet Murat Çalık has clarified his decision on whether he would switch to the New Party. Çalık, who is among those close to Ekrem İmamoğlu, has determined his stance regarding his future during this critical period in his political career.
ÇALIK IS NOT MOVING TO THE NEW PARTY Çalık, who took a clear stance after the discussions about a party change on the agenda, announced that he will continue his path in the Republican People's Party.
In a statement on his social media account, Çalık said: "My dear Beylikdüzü Neighbors, Esteemed Comrades, Throughout the ongoing judicial process, I have so far devoted all my attention to responding to the accusations directed at me and to directing my questions in court to those who have made statements about me. However, due to the evaluations made about my political stance in recent days, I have felt the need to openly and sincerely share some points with the public.
Throughout my life, I have believed that it is not positions, titles, or circumstances that guide us, but the values and principles I believe in. Today, I stand in the same place.
"I CONTINUE TO WALK THE PATH I HAVE WALKED FOR YEARS" During this difficult process, where I have been deprived of my freedom for 524 days, I have faced severe trials not only legally and politically but also in terms of health. However, despite everything I have experienced, I have never lost my hope, my determination to struggle, or my belief in justice. Because the values one holds on to during the hardest times actually reveal one's true character. Therefore, I will be the same Mehmet again. I will continue to defend the same values and the same human and moral virtues. I continue to walk the path I have walked for years, with the values I believe in. For me, the issue is not individuals but principles; not daily political calculations, but the Republican values entrusted to us by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Mehmet Murat Çalık "MY TIE WITH CHP IS FAR BEYOND PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS" For me, the Republican People's Party is not just a political party. My tie with the Republican People's Party is based on a deep political affiliation inherited from my family. This bond is far beyond personal expectations. The Republican People's Party is the carrier of the founding values of our Republic, democracy, freedom, equality, justice, and the will of the people. Struggling within the Republican People's Party, which Atatürk saw as one of his two great works, and being a part of this great institution holds a special meaning for me.
"I WILL CONTINUE MY PATH IN CHP" Therefore, I want to state clearly that I will continue my path where I stand today, in the Republican People's Party.
The Republican People's Party has historically been a party of vocal, pluralistic, and democratic congresses. It has embraced different thoughts, different evaluations, and different views. I respect the decisions that everyone has made and will make of their own free will. I see this as a natural part of democracy. Because for me, politics is not about holding a position but about standing by the values you believe in.
My dear neighbors, esteemed comrades, Today, the allegations about me are being discussed before the court and on legal grounds. I have fully responded to all the points directed at me in the indictment; I have made my defense. I have presented the concrete documents I rely on one by one and directly asked my questions where I deemed necessary. I expect the allegations about me to be evaluated within the law and with evidence, and I believe that justice and the truth will ultimately prevail. Just as I have done so far, I will continue to stand by the fundamental values of justice, freedom, democracy, and our Republic.
In the midst of all these difficulties, I sincerely thank everyone who has stood by me regardless of their political views, who has been concerned about my health, who has supported my family, and who has not withheld their prayers. I will never forget the solidarity you have shown throughout my life. I greet you all with respect, love, and hope. May God protect you. Sincerely."