Ismet Inönü protest in Mudanya: 'We expect a clear apology'

During the July meeting of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Council, remarks by AK Party Group Spokesperson Ahmet Alperen Aydın targeting the 2nd President of the Republic of Turkey, Ismet Inönü, and his wife, Mevhibe Inönü, drew significant backlash. Hundreds of citizens, mayors, and CHP representatives gathered at Mudanya Armistice Square and held a press conference in front of the historic building to strongly condemn the insulting statements.

THE CAUSE OF THE CRISIS: THOSE WORDS SPOKEN FROM THE COUNCIL PODIUM

The following words, uttered by AK Party Group Spokesperson Ahmet Alperen Aydın from the podium during the July session of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Council, triggered the crisis:

"A few years later, did your second chairman, Ismet Inönü, take his wife on Venizelos's arm or not?"

Mudanya Mayor Deniz Dalgıç immediately reacted to these expressions from the council benches, and the session was adjourned due to the tension. After the AK Party spokesperson failed to apologize, the CHP group left the hall, and the council meeting was postponed to a later date.

DENIZ DALGIÇ: "THIS IS A CONSCIOUS ATTACK ON REPUBLICAN VALUES"

Addressing the public in front of the historic building where the Mudanya Armistice was signed, Mudanya Mayor Deniz Dalgıç emphasized Ismet Inönü's heroism both on the front lines and at the negotiating table:

"This is Mudanya, where the military victory of independence was carried to a diplomatic victory. Ismet Inönü is a true veteran of this country. Veteran status is not distributed from a podium, nor is it earned through announcements; it is an honor carried by those who put their lives on the line for this homeland."

"We expect a clear apology for these words that have been recorded in history. This was a speech prepared in advance with the comfort of knowing that there would be no price to pay; it was not a slip of the tongue."

"This language, which targets a woman who is no longer alive, is a great disrespect not only to Mevhibe Inönü but to all women in this country. The mentality that targets Mevhibe Hanımefendi today for the sake of cheap political gain will target every woman in the same way tomorrow."

"REMOVAL FROM SPOKESPERSON ROLE IS NOT ENOUGH, A DISCIPLINARY PROCESS MUST BE INITIATED"

CHP Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Council Group Spokesperson Lawyer Yücel Akbulut underlined that these expressions cannot be seen as ordinary political criticism:

"These words are a disrespect to the founding values of our republic and the struggle for independence. It is not enough for this person to be removed from their role as group spokesperson. The AK Party must initiate a disciplinary process within its own ranks and evaluate the party membership of this person who has become so blinded that they would target even the families of historical figures."

NIHAT YEŞİLTAŞ: "THEY OWE EVEN THE POSITIONS THEY HOLD TO THE REPUBLIC"

Former CHP Bursa Provincial Chair Nihat Yeşiltaş, who was removed from his post, criticized the government's tone toward the founding cadres and stated that the struggle would continue:

"We know this mentality well. What they want to do is settle scores with the Republic through Ismet Inönü. While some were boarding British ships and fleeing, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms were starting the national struggle on these lands."

"Let them know that those individuals owe even the positions they hold today to the Republic founded by Atatürk and Inönü. Let those who think they will intimidate and silence us with pressure and oppression know this: We were not afraid of imperialists during the War of Independence, and we will never be afraid of you. The Republic will last forever on these lands."