MHP leader Bahçeli calls for İmamoğlu to resign.

27.01.2025 20:40

MHP leader Bahçeli called for the resignation of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) President Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is under investigation after referring to the person who prepared a report on CHP municipalities with the phrase "the bigger turnip in the bag." Bahçeli stated, "No one has the freedom to commit crimes. If he is confident, he should run for president."

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Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, held a press conference regarding current issues at the main service building in Saraçhane, where he made striking statements about the investigations initiated against municipalities governed by the CHP. Stating that a lawsuit was filed against him due to a tender during his tenure as the Mayor of Beylikdüzü, İmamoğlu claimed that the expert S. B. "submitted a report that did not exist to the court." İmamoğlu said, "The name of the turnip in the bag is S. B." and added, "There are very trusted people behind him. A new expert report has arrived. He is so reckless as to talk about a non-existent report."

BAHÇELİ'S STRONG REACTION TO İMAMOĞLU

There was a venomous reaction from MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli towards İmamoğlu. In a lengthy written statement, Bahçeli called for İmamoğlu to resign. Bahçeli stated: "Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has held a press conference today, attended by actors from every field and segment."

In the mentioned meeting, in addition to speaking from a high ground, he posed as the country's expert, making absurd statements to the judiciary, politics, and every person and institution that comes to mind, including our esteemed President. By ignoring the responsibilities he carries as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, he has made unfortunate and unfounded evaluations on topics that are not his duty and authority, wasting time.

"UNFORTUNATELY, HE HAS ONCE AGAIN CAST A SHADOW ON THE AGENDA"

The classic and familiar İmamoğlu tableau has unfortunately cast a shadow on the agenda once again. Rather than using his own mind, he has failed to admit that he cannot perform his duties as the Mayor of Istanbul, and he has not shown the courage to explain why he left Istanbul face down during painful and difficult times. It is well known to everyone, especially our citizens living in Istanbul, that İmamoğlu, who used his vacation rights during disaster periods, does not recognize any threshold or limit in violating political ethics and morals.

"THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY IS A STATE OF LAW"

There is no doubt that this person's escape from responsibility, who has stolen years from Istanbul, cannot be seen as correct or innocent by linking reasonable and legitimate criticisms to a so-called legal and systemic problem. I would like to remind you that the Republic of Turkey is a state of law. Moreover, there is neither a regime nor a systemic problem at stake.

"IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT İMAMOĞLU IS IN A DEADLOCK, AND HIS ANXIETY STEMS FROM THIS"

Hiding behind the democracy and democratic rights that have been taken out of their real context and attempting to question the Presidential Government System, which has entered our governance life with the pure will and preference of our nation, and our esteemed President, who was elected with 52% of the votes, is nothing but a potential indigestion and a crime of an anti-democratic political mentality. It seems that İmamoğlu is in both a political and legal deadlock, and his anxiety stems from this. However, the independent and impartial judiciary is following İmamoğlu and his self-serving companions wherever they may be, and will not bow to the lies and manipulations of those who oppose the MHP and the People's Alliance.

"IF THERE IS A CRIME, THE PRICE WILL BE PAID IN FRONT OF THE LAW"

If there is a crime, the price will definitely be paid in front of the law. Otherwise, there is no need for concern. After today's press conference, it will be a mystery how İmamoğlu, who is cloaked in the guise of a presidential candidate, will be interpreted by his rivals within the party in the coming days. What will the political foot soldiers of the CHP and the well-known cornerless figures chasing candidacy say to İmamoğlu's statements that can be interpreted in every direction?

"NO ONE HAS THE FREEDOM TO COMMIT CRIMES"

Although İmamoğlu criticizes doing politics with concerns for personal gain, the main idea of the meeting he held is nothing but a concern for personal gain. The Constitution and laws are applied fairly to everyone. Even if elected, no one has the freedom to commit crimes. Fear has no benefit against death. If Ekrem İmamoğlu sees the power to lift Turkey and considers himself worthy of a confident presidential candidacy or leadership profile, the following issues will also come to mind as a requirement of political and moral consistency:

CALL FOR İMAMOĞLU TO RESIGN

Ekrem İmamoğlu, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, could become a simple citizen by freeing himself from all his burdens. Resigning from the CHP, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, and the Presidency of the Union of Turkish Municipalities could pave the way for someone from the Metropolitan Municipality Council to be elected as president, preventing any disruption in municipal services. My advice to this person is to prefer to be a simple citizen if he believes he has supporters from all segments of society who can lift the country, and to face the consequences openly.

"IF HE CONFIDENT, HE CAN BECOME A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WITH THE SIGNATURES OF ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE"

At the same time, this comfort and ease he will achieve will allow him to escape from the chaos around him and to present himself as both justice and the peace of the nation as a simple and ordinary citizen. If İmamoğlu is confident, he can become a presidential candidate with the signatures of one hundred thousand people. As a son of Trabzon, he will also have the opportunity to officially take action to serve our nation and country. In this situation, the status of his current friends, how many people will remain around him, and who will be by his side when the municipal profit valve is closed will also become clear.

It is also a well-known fact that there are important figures who are likely to enter the presidential candidate race of the CHP, who have stood out with their scientific studies and have appeared on TV defending the CHP. Once the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality removes his armor, it is possible and likely for him to compete on equal terms with those whose names fluctuate in the political market, and to pave the way for a fair competition in his own words. In short, it must be asked to Ekrem İmamoğlu; it is evident that you have pursued a leadership that will embrace all segments of society with the statements you have made and the messages you have given recently.

If you are indeed talking about a lack of trust in politics and the judiciary, are you considering resigning from the mayoralty and leaving municipal resources behind to start a competition as a simple citizen on equal terms with all your rivals? Are you planning to demonstrate the necessity of your statement, "I will lift Turkey," with such a bold decision? Do you believe that such a step will serve as an example in terms of political ethics and create a fair competition environment, and that this will be a historic opportunity to transform Turkey's political culture?