07.07.2026 15:01
The "party change" debate, which caused tense hours in Denizli, was clarified by the statements of Kale Mayor Erkan Hayla. Firmly rejecting the participation announcement made by Victory Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ on social media, Hayla stated that the incident was merely a momentary badge-pinning gesture, emphasizing his loyalty to his own party.
A clear denial came from CHP's Kale Mayor Erkan Hayla regarding the "party change" claim that stirred the political agenda in Denizli. Rejecting the participation announcement made on social media by Victory Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ, Hayla stated that the badge was pinned on him as an instantaneous reflex and announced that he would continue his duties in his own party.
BADGE SURPRISE PERCEIVED AS POLITICAL DEFECTION
Victory Party leader Ümit Özdağ announced on his social media account that Denizli's Kale Mayor Erkan Hayla had joined the Victory Party. However, Mayor Hayla's response to this post was not delayed. Making a statement on his social media account, Hayla stated that he met Ümit Özdağ only within the scope of a courtesy visit during a breakfast program and emphasized that there was no party change involved.
"I DON'T STAB THOSE I STARTED THE JOURNEY WITH IN THE BACK"
Stating that the badge was suddenly pinned on his chest during the meeting, Hayla noted that he agrees with Özdağ on national issues but does not find changing parties during his current term of office in line with political ethics. Hayla included the following statements in his explanation:
"Friends, we met with Ümit Hoca at a breakfast program. While chatting with him, he suddenly pinned the badge on my chest. We are always in agreement with him on national issues. The humility he showed means a lot to me, I thank him. But I am not the kind of person who would change parties while my term continues."
"I AM IN MY PARTY UNTIL MY VOTERS TELL ME TO GO"
Expressing his loyalty to his fellow travelers and voters within his own party, the Kale Mayor concluded his words by supporting the party leadership going through difficult times as follows:
"While those I started the journey with are going through tough times, while our President Özgür and our friends being persecuted in Silivri are fighting such a great battle, I won't stab them in the back. I am in my party until President Ali Osman Horzum, President Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu, and the voters who elected me with their votes tell me to go."