Earthquake survivors had reacted: Lütfü Savaş responds to candidacy criticisms

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has re-nominated the incumbent mayor, Lütfü Savaş, in Hatay, one of the cities most affected by the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş.

The CHP's decision regarding Lütfü Savaş was met with backlash from citizens, particularly earthquake survivors in Hatay.

Lütfü Savaş, who has been criticized for his candidacy, was a guest of Gülden Kalecik Demirtaş on TGRT Haber. There, he answered questions regarding the debated candidacy process, as well as the CHP congress and the February 6 earthquakes.

Stating that he supported Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu during the CHP's congress process, Savaş said, “There was also a side that supported Mr. Özgür. He also made statements that honored us. We came out ahead in the 4 polls conducted. Being chosen again honored me. The fact is; We became candidates for Hatay and to get Hatay back on its feet. Of course, everyone can prove their maturity during the candidacy application process. I thank our Chairman for choosing me. Some people who say ‘I want to be a candidate’ want me to withdraw my candidacy.”

'IT IS MORE LOGICAL FOR SOMEONE WITH NATIONAL SENSIBILITIES LIKE ME TO BE A CANDIDATE'

Lütfü Savaş continued his words as follows:

"A person lives with their past. They move forward with the beauties they have shared. Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu wanted to nominate me. I came out of the Party Assembly (PM) with a ‘no’ vote, but Mr. Kemal nominated me himself. I am not a candidate to be debated, but unfortunately, there is too much democracy in the CHP. Before Mustafa Kemal Atatürk closed his eyes to the world, he had gifted Hatay to our geography. That is why it is more logical for someone with national sensibilities like me to be a candidate.

'THESE ISSUES ARE DISCUSSED FREELY AMONG US'

There must be party discipline. In the ruling party, one person speaks, while among us, everyone speaks. Actually, a middle ground needs to be found. During my candidacy application process, I only went to the Headquarters once for a ‘congratulatory’ visit. Our Chairman came for a ‘get well soon’ visit. I cannot follow the events in Ankara very closely from Hatay. These issues are discussed very freely among us."

News Source: 12punto