Çerçioğlu's switch to AKP shakes up politics: More defections to AKP ahead! Which municipalities are next?
The decision by CHP's Aydın Metropolitan Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu to join the AKP has sent shockwaves through Turkish politics. While Özgür Özel responded sharply, Erdoğan signalled "new additions will follow." Backstage sources suggest the mayors of Samsun Atakum and İzmir Seferihisar are also set to defect to the AKP.
12punto
As operations against CHP-run municipalities continue one by one, CHP's Aydın Metropolitan Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu's decision to join the AKP ranks has had a bombshell effect on Turkish politics.
While CHP leader Özgür Özel lashed out at Özlem Çerçioğlu with sharp words, President Erdoğan had already signalled Çerçioğlu's move to the AKP in a statement, saying "new names will be joining our party."
MORE DEFECTIONS TO AKP TO FOLLOW
According to information obtained by 12punto, defections of CHP mayors to the AKP will continue. It is alleged that CHP's Samsun Atakum Mayor Serhat Türkel and İzmir Seferihisar Mayor İsmail Yetişkin are also set to join the AKP.