Özgür Özel explains the reasoning behind the Lütfü Savaş decision: 'He gets incredible votes from rural areas'

Continuing his work for the local elections, the Republican People's Party (CHP) has determined its mayoral candidates in 240 electoral districts for the local elections.

DECISION TO CONTINUE WITH LÜTFÜ SAVAŞ IN HATAY

In Hatay, one of the cities most affected by the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, the incumbent mayor Lütfü Savaş has been re-nominated.

The CHP's decision regarding Lütfü Savaş has drawn reactions from citizens, particularly earthquake survivors in Hatay. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel has broken his silence regarding the criticisms made about his candidate choices.

WHY WAS LÜTFÜ SAVAŞ NOMINATED IN HATAY?

Speaking to İsmail Saymaz from Sözcü, Özel responded to the reactions regarding the re-nomination of incumbent mayor Lütfü Savaş in Hatay by saying, "He gets incredible votes from rural areas, and if we put forward other names, we lose. We could not find an alternative. We tried very hard, we measured it four times."

Özel also spoke about the preference for Erdal Beşikçioğlu in Etimesgut, where it was stated that Mansur Yavaş wanted to nominate Mesut Özarslan, saying, "Mayor Mansur also reacted positively when he first heard it. There is no crisis, our candidate is clear."

Özel also spoke about the fact that incumbent mayor Yılmaz Büyükerşen, who had applied for candidacy in Eskişehir, was not nominated. Stating, "The poll is not for the professor, it is for me. So that it can guide me. I did not put the professor in the poll. I conducted the poll to listen to what the voters in Eskişehir are saying," Özel explained that he told Büyükerşen, "Come, let one of your hands be in the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality and the other in the Headquarters."

Here are the statements of Özel, who answered İsmail Saymaz's questions:

What is the reason for choosing Lütfü Savaş?

"(The reason for choosing Lütfü Savaş) He gets incredible votes from rural areas, and if we put forward other names, we lose. We could not find an alternative. In fact, the provincial head and district heads sent me letters saying, 'The election is becoming difficult as we delay. Open the way for us, we will win the election.' They say that someone who does not understand municipal management cannot do it during this process. We tried very hard, we measured it four times.

(Criticism that Savaş has responsibility in the earthquake) I don't know what kind of responsibility he has regarding the earthquake issue. I asked the people of Hatay. In the end, I cannot do something that leads to losing. If five units of votes are coming out, if you put in someone who gets three units, you will definitely lose the election. It doesn't look like Lütfü Savaş is definitely winning here, but the view that he can win is emerging."

MEETING WITH DEM PARTY

They say, 'If you nominate candidates suitable for the urban consensus, we will also ensure the urban consensus.' Other than that, there is no such thing as determining a joint name or working in delegations.

"THERE IS NO BIG CRISIS AS PORTRAYED"

"(Etimesgut) Today, this is the most talked-about topic among young people, on social media and Facebook in Etimesgut, and we are measuring it very positively. There is no big crisis as portrayed. Mayor Mansur also reacted positively when he first heard it. There is no crisis, our candidate is clear."