Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay reported to have ended his membership in the Association for Kemalist Thought

It has been reported that Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay has officially ended his membership in the Karşıyaka branch of the Association for Kemalist Thought (ADD) via e-Devlet.

Following his resignation from the CHP, Tugay's political future has been a subject of debate, and his name has recently come to the fore with allegations that he would join the AKP. It was reported that Tugay's press advisor, Elif Demirci, responded with "I don't know" when asked about the matter.

IT DOES NOT CARRY THE MEANING OF A POLITICAL PREFERENCE

According to information reflected in the local press in Izmir, it was learned that Tugay told his inner circle that he made this decision because he could not participate in the association's activities due to his busy schedule, and that the separation does not carry the meaning of a political preference.

Cemil Tugay had resigned from his CHP membership on June 18, 2026. While announcing his decision, Tugay criticized the "absolute nullity" process within the party and the subsequent expulsion and dismissal decisions; he had announced that he would continue his mayoral duties as an independent.

Tugay was received by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex on September 30. Following the closed-door meeting, Tugay stated that they had provided information to Erdoğan regarding the issues on Izmir's agenda and projects for the city's future.