“It should be considered a crime under the heading of 'political extortion'…" Hatipoğlu's switch to AKP sparks debate
The political arena is focused on Nebi Hatipoğlu, who resigned from the İYİ Party to join the AKP. Hatipoğlu, who left the İYİ Party after his suggestion that his party should act in concert with the AKP failed to find support, has now joined the AKP. While Hatipoğlu's decision has drawn attention, journalist Sevilay Yılman has offered a striking commentary.
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We frequently encounter news about members of parliament who, for one reason or another, leave the parties they entered the parliament with and switch to different parties. We have experienced the latest example of this with Nebi Hatipoğlu, who entered parliament after being elected from the İYİ Party.
Hatipoğlu, who said his party should act in concert with the AKP but resigned because he could not find support for this proposal within his party, chose to join the AKP.
Sharing a photo on his social media account of his party badge being pinned on him by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Hatipoğlu shared the following words:
"I have joined the AK Party family with the approval of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
I pray to my Lord; may He not let me down on this path I have embarked upon. May He grant me the opportunity to provide good services to our nation and my beloved Eskişehir.
I will continue my politics, which puts Eskişehir at the center, exactly as it is, and I am determined to solve the chronic problems of our city one by one."
"POLITICAL EXTORTION"
While this choice by Hatipoğlu is being intensely debated in political circles and on social media, a striking comment on this transition came from journalist Sevilay Yılman.
Stating that what was done is 'political extortion,' Yılman used the following expressions:
"I always say… A person who has taken office through an election… No matter which party or position they are in… If they resign from the party they were elected from, there should be a regulation that forces them to resign from their position as well.
Otherwise, it should be considered a crime!
Because the votes are not given to that person by the public for their own sake… They are given because they represent that party. When a person leaves the party they were elected from, they are, in a way, extorting the votes given to them and taking them along.
The law, which punishes children who steal baklava, should, in my opinion, also make thieving politicians who deceive the public and openly steal their votes pay the price…
A law must be passed!
Just like what Nebi Hatipoğlu or others like him have done, such thefts should be considered as having committed a crime under the heading of 'political extortion'…"