Turkish mayor defects to Erdogan's party in opposition stronghold
The mayor of Turkey ’s most prominent opposition stronghold has defected to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party, in a move that prompted protests and criticism over the state of the country’s democracy. Mr Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) has never won a mayoral election in Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city. It is widely seen as a bastion of secular opposition parties who…
In a significant development for Turkey's political landscape, the mayor of Izmir, Cemil Tugay, has switched allegiance to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, the Justice and Development Party (AKP), despite the opposition stronghold being a bastion of secular values. This move, which took place in a ceremony held on Wednesday, has sparked protests and criticisms over the state of democracy in the country.
Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city and home to 4.5 million people, is a key battleground for the ruling party, as Erdogan's party has never won a mayoral election in the city. The president vowed to support Tugay with all his resources in the effort to serve Izmir, describing the move as a "new era" and "a fresh start for Izmir."
However, local opposition groups have dismissed the defection, accusing Tugay of betraying the will of the electorate and disrespecting democratic processes.
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- Turkish mayor defects to Erdogan's party in opposition stronghold thenationalnews.com
- Protests in Turkey’s Izmir after mayor switches to Erdogan’s AK Party euronews.com
