Domino effect in politics following Özlem Çerçioğlu: The ruling party has begun preparations! Claim that 40 more mayors are on the way

The transition of Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, seen as one of the strong figures of the CHP, to the AKP has become the center of the political agenda. Following Çerçioğlu's surprise decision, there is talk in political corridors that many other mayors are preparing to take similar steps.

40 MORE MAYORS HAVE APPLIED

According to AKP sources, following Çerçioğlu's transfer, 40 mayors from different parties have applied to join the AKP. With this development, the party's goal of adding 100 mayors to its ranks by the 2028 local elections has returned to the agenda.

Pro-government figure Hacı Yakışıklı stated that the AKP applies strict criteria for mayoral transfers. According to Yakışıklı's claim, the conditions of "honesty, diligence, and closeness to the public" are sought in those who will join the AKP. It is stated that Çerçioğlu received full marks on these criteria and was therefore welcomed by the party leadership.

56 MAYORS HAVE JOINED THE AKP

Since the last local elections, 56 mayors have left their respective parties to join the ranks of the AKP. Party officials state that this number will increase further in the coming years and that they will enter the 2028 elections with a strong municipal network.

Çerçioğlu's transfer has caused a major stir not only in Aydın but also in CHP corridors. In AKP circles, there is talk that other names from the CHP may also join the party in the coming period.