Call to the government from CHP mayors:

Metropolitan mayors from the Republican People's Party (CHP) gathered in Mersin, with representatives from major cities including Istanbul, Adana, and Antalya in attendance, to make a statement. In a joint declaration, the CHP mayors criticized the situation of mayors who have been removed from office or are currently imprisoned due to ongoing judicial processes, emphasizing the principle of the rule of law.

The declaration of the meeting was shared with the public by Mersin Metropolitan Mayor and Deputy Chairman of the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye, Vahap Seçer. Reiterating the CHP's electoral goal, Seçer stated, "We believe that by spreading the transformation we have initiated in our cities to the entire country, we will bring our party to power in the first elections under the leadership of our Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel."

The declaration criticized the fact that many elected metropolitan mayors are not currently in office, as well as the practice of appointing trustees and the arrests made during judicial processes. The mayors stated that the presumption of innocence and the right to be tried without arrest have been violated, and urgently demanded that their colleagues be granted their freedom.

Furthermore, the declaration included the following statement: "As Metropolitan Mayors, we have gathered in Mersin, the city of peace, brotherhood, and tranquility, to continue our meetings—which we initiated in 2019 and have since made a tradition—during this term of service. We meet with the sadness of the absence of our colleagues who are unfortunately imprisoned when they should be among us, and our Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, who passed away as a result of a tragic accident. We will continue these meetings under the leadership of our Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel, at regular intervals, with each meeting hosted by a different Metropolitan Municipality."

The statement, which touched upon the projects of metropolitan municipalities regarding social policy, environment, climate change, and urbanization, noted that the current economic crisis and increasing lawlessness make the work of local administrations difficult.

The declaration also alleged that judicial pressure and administrative obstacles target not only municipalities but also the will of the people directly. Drawing attention to the increase in poverty, economic difficulties, and injustice in society, the mayors claimed that the central government applies double standards against local administrations.

The mayors criticized the central government, stating that municipalities are being targeted for problems arising from the state's failure to carry out vital investment and infrastructure projects such as dams and waterways. The declaration, which included the phrase "A perception is being created by the ruling power that 'CHP municipalities are not doing their jobs'," emphasized that mayors will continue to provide fair, transparent, and equal service to the public.

In the remainder of the declaration, the mayors expressed the view that there is an attempt to render municipalities ineffective through legislative proposals prepared to restrict their authority and resources in many areas. Attention was drawn to the responsibility of protecting social peace and the rule of law.

The mayors concluded their remarks by stating, "We believe that by spreading this transformation we have initiated in our cities to the entire country, we will bring our party to power in the first elections under the leadership of our Chairman, Mr. Özgür Özel. With this understanding and sense of responsibility, we present to the public that we will continue our path with determination based on solidarity and common sense, and we offer our respects."