'Discomfort over transfers' within the AKP leaks from the corridors! 'What is happening is to the party's detriment...'

The AKP, which suffered a defeat in the March 31 Local Elections, has transferred many mayors elected with opposition votes since that date. The AKP's transfers were not limited to mayors. A large number of members of parliament who entered the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) with opposition votes have also made their way to the AKP.

Most recently, it is alleged that Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan, who resigned from the CHP, will also join the AKP. Although Özarslan is continuing his path as an independent 'for now,' he has left the door open to the AKP and the MHP.

The participations in the AKP and new transfer allegations have also become a subject of debate within the party. Nefes columnist Nuray Babacak carried the discussions in the AKP corridors regarding these transfers to her column today.

It is stated that assessments in the corridors of the AKP suggesting that the political transitions carried out recently are shaped by allegations of "shady dealings and blackmail" are causing discomfort.

An AKP official, stating that a party change can only make sense with a serious ideological break, expressed his criticism with the words: "The recent transfers are drawing serious backlash both from the grassroots and among the members of parliament. This situation is like Temel from the Black Sea seeing a watermelon rind and saying, 'I'm going to fall in a minute.' What is happening is working to the party's detriment..."

The relevant part of Babacan's article is as follows:

"The response of foreign policy to the party base and the street goes only so far. The issue quickly comes down to current problems, the cost of living, and injustices. In the party, which plans to use the transfers it has made from the opposition as a 'distraction tool' against these complaints, there is a simmering unrest.

First of all, the allegations of 'shady dealings and blackmail' regarding the mayors who are included or are being attempted to be included in the party are causing discomfort. It is heavily criticized to say 'we are holding thieves accountable' and then 'hold a ceremony and raise the hands' of names who are alleged to have claims against them.

Another problem is the issues these individuals have with the AKP organizations and members of parliament in those provinces and districts. The existing friction in local politics and the fact that names they have spoken against for years are now coming to the fore and gaining prestige in the party creates serious heartburn. The promises made to these individuals regarding the election also create discomfort at the grassroots. The following assessments of an AKP member are interesting;

“First of all, for a politician's change of party to be explainable, they must experience an ideological break with their party. For example, if a politician in the MHP resigned citing the party management's words and change of attitude regarding Abdullah Öcalan, it might be understandable from their perspective. Because there is a serious ideological break there.

There is a lot of backlash from both the grassroots and the members of parliament regarding the recent transfers. This is the same as Temel from the Black Sea seeing a watermelon rind and saying, 'I'm going to fall in a minute.' All of these are actions to the detriment of the party..."

"THERE IS NO CHP ANTIPATHY IN THE NEW GENERATION"

In political corridors, the subject keeps coming back to how these events are perceived by the voters. As a result, there is a different assessment made by AKP politicians regarding what has been done since the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) operation;

'CHP SUPPORTERS ARE GETTING TIRED BUT NOT WORN OUT.'

Interpretations are being made that this process has resulted in the CHP redefining itself, turning to a more inclusive discourse instead of policies that only appeal to a segment of society, and engaging in dialogue with different segments.

“The CHP antipathy in those born in 1950-1960 like us does not exist in the new generation. Young people no longer take the old-model rhetoric towards the CHP into account. Even for those close to us, it is not difficult at all to vote for the CHP,” assessments are being made."

News Source: 12punto