Fatih Portakal's much-discussed commentary on Murat Kurum

Following the announcement that Murat Kurum is the AKP's candidate for Istanbul in the local elections, numerous comments have begun to emerge. A striking take on this choice made by AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan came from journalist Fatih Portakal.

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Fatih Portakal's much-discussed commentary on Murat Kurum

Megacity Istanbul is at the top of the list of cities most curious about the local elections. The CHP had announced the candidacy of the current mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, weeks ago.

While eyes were turned to the AKP, the long-awaited question was answered yesterday. AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan, who introduced candidates for 11 metropolitan cities and 15 provinces, nominated Murat Kurum for Istanbul.

The most notable reaction regarding Kurum's candidacy, which became a hot topic both on social media and on television, came from Fatih Portakal.

"HOW DID HE MAKE THIS MISTAKE?"

Fatih Portakal had previously stated that Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya's name was being mentioned as the Istanbul candidate. Portakal had said, "There is a 90 percent chance that the AK Party's Istanbul candidate is Ali Yerlikaya. Ali Bey doesn't want it, he is reluctant. However, orders are orders."

Following the announcement of Murat Kurum's candidacy, Portakal made his first statement again via social media. In his post, Portakal included the following remarks;

“'Murat Kurum?' I said when I first heard it officially. He is one of the executive politicians responsible for the deaths of 50,000 of our people in the earthquake. Is he a candidate to govern Istanbul before even accounting for these lives?

It's not a joke, it's real. He was one of the worst candidates that could have been put forward. How did Erdoğan make this mistake? Either he has crossed Kurum off, and will end him politically this way. Or he doesn't want to win Istanbul at all! Whichever it is, we shall see."

News Source: 12punto