Aydın crisis in CHP! Is a key figure in the IMM operations behind Özlem Çerçioğlu's move to the AKP?

Özlem Çerçioğlu, who was elected as the Mayor of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality for two terms from the CHP, is preparing to join the ranks of the AKP in the coming days.

It is alleged that Çerçioğlu, who was one of the last names to be announced as a candidate in the March 31, 2024 local elections, is demanding the resignation of not only herself but also municipal workers and some district chairs in Aydın from the CHP during the transition process.

ALLEGATIONS OF PRESSURE TO RESIGN

According to information reflected in party corridors, numerous CHP members who were subjected to pressure to resign have reported the situation to CHP members of parliament. These developments have caused great discomfort within the party.

THE FILE BEHIND THE DECISION: Aziz İhsan AKTAŞ INVESTIGATION

According to a report by Halk TV, it is stated that the Aziz İhsan Aktaş investigations, whose name has frequently appeared in operations targeting CHP-run municipalities in recent years, are influential in Çerçioğlu's decision to join the AKP.

It was stated that companies belonging to Aziz İhsan Aktaş received numerous tenders from the Aydın Metropolitan Municipality in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and that these tenders are the subject of an investigation.

ARE THE FILES GATHERING DUST?

While the investigations are ongoing, articles have been published in media outlets close to the government suggesting that these files are "starting to gather dust." Haber7 columnist Zekeriya Say brought the files back to the agenda in his article dated August 4. Immediately following these articles, information that Çerçioğlu would join the AKP became clear in the corridors. Numerous reports have also appeared in the local and national press stating that the investigation would be expanded toward Aydın.

STATEMENT EXPECTED FROM ÖZGÜR ÖZEL

Following the allegations of pressure to resign directed at CHP-member workers and some district chairs in Aydın, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel is expected to make a statement on the matter today.