Ali Babacan announces: DEVA Party's decision for Istanbul!

Starting his local election campaign, DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan visited shopkeepers and chatted with citizens in the Karamürsel and Kartepe districts as part of his Kocaeli program.

Later, holding a press conference in the İzmit district, Babacan stated that they are not willing to let even a single person be unhappy, and that is why they voice every problem.

Expressing that they will continue to tell the truth, Babacan noted that the people of this country deserve to live well.

Following his speech, Babacan answered questions from members of the press.

Upon a journalist's question, "Why did you not take part in the Saadet Party Parliamentary Group in the Parliament?", Babacan said that they are pleased that this group exists under the roof of the Parliament.

Pointing out that they have 15 deputies, Babacan stated the following:

"We also have the goal and effort to establish our own group. There are currently 4 opposition groups in the Parliament, and we think that having a 5th opposition group would be much more beneficial in terms of general political balances and representation in the Parliament. For democracy and for democratic oversight, we attach great importance to DEVA's unique stance under the roof of the Parliament and to DEVA Party being represented with its own distinct identity and its own group. Our goal is to form a 5th group in the Parliament. We are currently making intense efforts in this regard."

"WE HAVE HAD NO COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH ANY PARTY"

Regarding the question of whether an alliance proposal had been received for the local elections, Babacan noted that they are entering the elections with their own names and candidates.

Babacan stated that while an alliance is not legally possible in local elections, models of cooperation could be discussed, saying, "To date, we have not had a cooperation agreement with any party anywhere in Turkey, but there is still time until February 20, when the candidate lists must be submitted. If a cooperation model emerges in any of our districts, if such a proposal comes to us from our local organizations, and if it is evaluated positively with the favorable opinion of the headquarters of the other relevant political parties, it could happen. We have not completely closed the door, but it has not happened so far."

To the question, "Will you field a candidate for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB)?", Babacan replied, "Of course, we are going to the elections in all metropolitan cities with our own candidates."

Following his speech, Babacan announced his party's 6 district mayoral candidates in Kocaeli.