29.10.2026 12:07
New Party Chairman Özgür Özel has increased the intensity of his remarks against Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, who switched to the AK Party. Claiming that there were some files behind Tugay's party switch, Özel drew attention with his words, "If I don't make him regret it bitterly, I am dishonorable." Özel, who also stated that he regretted nominating Tugay, announced that he had actually wanted Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel for the Mayoralty of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.
New Party Chairman Özgür Özel continued his harsh statements against İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, who joined the AK Party. Arguing that he knows why Tugay changed parties, New Party Chairman Özel also openly expressed his regret regarding the candidacy process.
"IF I DON'T MAKE HIM PAY THROUGH THE NOSE, I AM DISHONORABLE"
New Party Chairman Özgür Özel used very harsh expressions about Cemil Tugay, who joined the AK Party. Claiming that there are some files behind Tugay's decision to change parties, New Party leader Özel said: “If I don't make him pay through the nose, I am dishonorable. I know why Cemil Tugay switched to the AK Party. There are a few files. I saw him in İzmir; he was devastated, reduced to a doormat, a cigarette butt. Let him stay until the general election. We will come to power. I hope they don't let him escape into a parliamentary seat with immunity or something. My words 'If I don't make him pay through the nose, I am dishonorable' are not a threat, but an expression of determination…”
"IF ONLY MY HAND HAD BROKEN AND I HAD NOT NOMINATED HIM"
In New Party Chairman Özgür Özel's statements, not only Cemil Tugay's switch to the AK Party but also the process of his candidacy for İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor was included. Speaking on SZC, New Party leader Özel described his regret over the decision to nominate Tugay with these words: “I really wanted Filiz Ceritoğlu Sengel to be İzmir's first female mayor. As a result of the poll we conducted, Cemil Tugay came out ahead by a small margin, and we nominated Cemil Tugay. But as I say, I wish my hand had broken and I hadn't nominated him.”