All eyes on August 14: Cemil Tugay's decision regarding the AKP

Claims that Cemil Tugay, who has been serving as the Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality as an independent since resigning from the CHP, will join the AKP continue to remain on the agenda. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality sources, however, did not confirm the claim that Tugay would join the party on August 14, the anniversary of the AKP's founding.

Speaking to Birgün, municipal sources stated that Tugay will not join the AKP on August 14 and will continue his duties independently. It was also reported that Tugay has returned to the Metropolitan Municipality Council WhatsApp group, which he had left some time ago.

Journalist İsmail Saymaz also stated in a post on his social media account that the claim that Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay would join the AKP on August 14 was not confirmed by AKP sources.

AKP member Savcı Sayan, in a social media post, argued that according to information he received, approval has not yet been granted by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for Tugay's transition to the AKP. Sayan stated that for this reason, he is of the opinion that Tugay will not be able to join the AKP.

Cemil Tugay resigned from the CHP on June 18, stating that the reason for his departure was not ideological, but rather an “objection to the absolute nullity management.” Tugay later denied the claims that he would join the AKP, declaring, “I will continue my duties as Mayor independently.”