Imamoğlu's first reaction to IYI Party's 'candidates in 81 provinces' decision: "I don't think the negotiations are closed"

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu answered questions from journalists following the groundbreaking ceremony for sports facilities he attended in Bahçelievler Kocasinan.

When asked about the statement made by IYI Party Spokesperson Kürşat Zorlu following the party's General Administrative Board (GİK) meeting yesterday, in which he said, "We will field our own candidates in 81 provinces," İmamoğlu said the following:

"I DON'T THINK THE NEGOTIATIONS ARE CLOSED"

"I still think the same. In other words, I have said that I listened to Ms. Akşener's, the Chairwoman's, previous statements with care and that I have been following them. I have also listened to yesterday's statements and the different interpretations by the spokesperson, and I am following them. I still say that an alliance is necessary, that the alliance process is a reality in Turkey, and that it should remain open to negotiation. Frankly, based on the description given yesterday, I do not think the negotiations are closed. Of course, we will see this over time."

"I AM SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THAT THE OPPOSITION BASE CAN ACHIEVE RESULTS WITH A STRONG ALLIANCE MODEL"

"I am someone who knows that the most important element is a social alliance and that the opposition base, in particular, can achieve results with a strong alliance model. We experienced and facilitated this carefully in Istanbul. A completely different struggle for democracy was waged and won, primarily through the establishment of a strong Istanbul alliance, in addition to the CHP and IYI Party alliance. We are a team that is ready and diligent in keeping the framework of dialogue at the highest level, analyzing the social layers in the best possible way, and conducting these talks meticulously to define the most accurate democratic journey for Istanbul and Turkey in order to wage and win another great struggle for democracy. We look at the process this way, and we believe we will succeed in this. In this sense, I believe that negotiations and dialogue can be conducted and managed in a very healthy way with Ms. Akşener, the IYI Party, and IYI Party officials in the strongest possible manner. Of course, this has mutual requirements. Time will tell."

News Source: 12punto