24.11.2025 23:31
The second session of the Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Council in November witnessed significant debates. The session was postponed due to a discussion about 'assets' between the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality, Özlem Çerçioğlu, and the CHP Group Deputy Chairman and Mayor of Kuşadası, Ömer Günel.
The second session of the Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Council in November was held under the chairmanship of Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu.
AGENDA: PROPOSAL FOR A 50% DISCOUNT ON WATER
Before the council meeting, the proposal of the CHP group for a 50% discount on water was discussed at the General Assembly of the Aydın Water and Sewerage Administration (ASKİ). CHP's Plan and Budget Commission Chairman Rıza Yörüyen stated that it was mentioned in the meetings held between November 17-23 that the cost of water needed to be recalculated, and no decision was made. The commission's request for additional time to discuss the matter was accepted by the members.
"WE COULDN'T LOWER THE WATER"
Aydın Metropolitan Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu pointed out that despite the majority of the commission being from the CHP, they could not make a decision, saying, "They said, 'We couldn't discuss this, we didn't understand, we couldn't do it. We couldn't lower the water. When the ASKİ General Assembly meets again in 6 months, we will review this again in the Plan and Budget Commission.' This is the meaning of the decision we voted on."
DISPUTE OVER 'ASSET' BETWEEN ÇERÇİOĞLU AND GÜNEL
Later, the municipal council meeting was held, and the 2026 budget was discussed. CHP Group Deputy Chairman and Kuşadası Mayor Ömer Günel asked Çerçioğlu whether the Metropolitan Municipality was planning a mass layoff.
When Çerçioğlu turned to the council members and said, "I am very curious where he got this from," Günel responded, "You are being disrespectful to us in every sentence. I am a lawyer. What is your education?" Çerçioğlu replied, stating that she was elected by the people of Aydın, "It is not your place. I would also ask, how does a district mayor live such a luxurious life with a salary of 100,000 lira?"
Günel stated that he was ready to disclose his assets. The council was postponed as the discussion continued.
"THEY ARE NOT DISCUSSING IN THE COMMISSION, THEY DON'T WANT TO DISCUSS"
Later, AK Party Provincial Chairman Mehmet Erdem, speaking to reporters, stated that there should be no inconsistent politics, saying, "You, as the CHP group, are the ones proposing the 50% discount on water bills. The place where this should be discussed is first the commission, then the council group. A decision needs to be made in the general assembly of the council. Again, the decision will be made with the votes of the CHP. If you want a 50% discount, you discuss it in the commission, vote on it, and accept it. It comes to the council, and if accepted, then it will be implemented. They are not discussing it in the commission; they seem to not want to discuss it at all. They are dragging their feet." he said.
CHP Provincial Chairman Hikmet Saatçı, speaking to reporters in front of the municipal building, also stated that they would continue to serve the people of Aydın in the best way possible.
Source: AA / İHA