Dilek İmamoğlu comments on 'Second Erdoğan' claims: She reveals their only commonality

Dilek İmamoğlu, wife of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, made notable remarks regarding her husband's political style in an interview with İpek Özbey from Sözcü newspaper. Responding to comparisons labeling Ekrem İmamoğlu as a "Second Erdoğan," Dilek İmamoğlu emphasized that the only commonality between the two figures is their shared regional origin.

Dilek İmamoğlu stated, "I do not think there are any other commonalities between President Erdoğan and Ekrem Bey other than the fact that they are both from the Black Sea region."

"HE HAS A VERY DIFFERENT POLITICAL UNDERSTANDING"

Stating that Ekrem İmamoğlu's political style is completely different from that of President Erdoğan, Dilek İmamoğlu noted that her husband does not use polarizing language and adopts a management approach based on collective wisdom.

In her statement, İmamoğlu said, "Ekrem stands in a very different place in terms of both political tradition and leadership style. The fact that he does not act with the politics of polarization, that he prioritizes collective wisdom, consultation, and negotiation, and his aptitude for teamwork are the fundamental characteristics that set him apart."

"HE DEFENDS STRONG INSTITUTIONS AND A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM"

Emphasizing the importance of a strong democracy, Dilek İmamoğlu stated that Ekrem İmamoğlu advocates for a state understanding based on strong institutions rather than individuals.

Dilek İmamoğlu said, "Whoever it may be, there is a possibility of falling into different tendencies when holding all the power. That is why, instead of centralist systems where power is concentrated in one person and accountability mechanisms are not operated, Ekrem advocates for a transparent, participatory, auditable, and accountable public administration. He explains that the state should be at an equal distance to every citizen, every party, and every opinion, and that there should be no discrimination in public services."