Mansur Yavaş's first reaction to 'Burcu Köksal's AKP decision': I do not find it appropriate

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş attended the opening of the Halaçlı Mehmet Ağa Mansion, which was restored by the ABB.

Responding to questions from members of the press after the opening, Yavaş gave the following reply when asked for his assessment of Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal, who is expected to leave the CHP and join the AKP on Tuesday:

"If the voters had wanted to elect someone from another party, they would have elected the mayor they wanted. I do not find it appropriate for mayors or members of parliament to change parties after being elected. I hope there will be a regulation regarding this. Because voters never cast their votes for the individual alone. There is definitely the party factor and other factors involved. Therefore, if they are going to change parties like this, they should first hold a referendum to get the approval of those who elected them. It would be more appropriate."

Response to Erbakan

When asked about the statements made by Yeniden Refah Party (YRP) Chairman Fatih Erbakan, who said, "If Mansur Yavaş is a candidate in the second round of the presidential election, we could support him," Yavaş said, "Our priority is Ankara. Hopefully, we will first solve Ankara's problems. But that is their discretion; I thank them, I am honored."

What happened?

The allegations that have surfaced in recent days regarding Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal "joining the AKP" have caused a wide stir in the political agenda. The allegations first came to the fore in television programs and political gossip reports. In a television broadcast she attended, Köksal confirmed that she had decided to join the AKP and announced that she would join the party at the AKP's Extended Provincial Chairmen Meeting on Tuesday.