Sharp rebuke from Turgut Altınok: Accusations of 'tender favoritism' and 'corruption' against Mesut Özarslan

The process of Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan changing parties in Ankara has become a very hot topic in recent days. After journalist İsmail Saymaz announced that Özarslan's move to the AKP was finalized, the harsh statements of former AKP Keçiören Mayor Turgut Altınok drew attention.

Journalist İsmail Saymaz had asked Keçiören Mayor Mesut Özarslan last week, "Will you join the AK Party?" and Özarslan had denied the claim. However, Saymaz stated that he had not been able to reach Özarslan for two days and that, according to information he received from a reliable source today, Özarslan's decision to join the AKP has been finalized. This development could change the political balance in the Keçiören Municipal Council.

WILL COUNCIL MEMBERS ALSO JOIN THE AKP?

Saymaz stated that Özarslan's move would not be limited to his own participation, and that there are allegations that some council members will also join the AKP. If five council members also resign, the council majority in the Keçiören Municipality will pass to the People's Alliance (Cumhur İttifakı).

HARSH ACCUSATIONS FROM TURGUT ALTINOK

Following Özarslan's party change, former Keçiören Mayor Turgut Altınok came to the fore with very harsh accusations against Özarslan. Altınok accused Özarslan of using municipal resources in exchange for changing parties. He specifically targeted the tender for the "light and sound water square" built on top of a parking lot in Keçiören. Describing the tender process being awarded to only one firm as "favoritism," Altınok used the following expressions:

"WE SEE THE TENDERS AWARDED THROUGH FAVORITISM"

"How is it that only one firm enters the tender for the light and sound water square on top of the parking lot, which was handed over as a favor to please someone? Will this favoritism provide you with convenience for changing parties?" said Altınok, pointing out that such practices would cause public loss. Furthermore, stating that the area in question harms the city, he argued that such practices provide convenience to "those looking for an opportunity to change parties."

PORTAŞ AND YAVAŞ QUESTIONS

Altınok carried these allegations over to the activities at PORTAŞ, where Özarslan was previously the General Manager. Drawing attention to whether Mansur Yavaş is aware of these efforts by the Keçiören Mayor, Altınok asked a sharp question: "Will Özarslan's changing parties also relieve Mansur Yavaş in order to cover up the corruption?" He also stated that the administration in Keçiören has received a major backlash from the public, emphasizing that it does not seem possible for Özarslan to be re-elected.

OSMAN GÖKÇEK HAD ALSO MADE CRITICISMS

The PORTAŞ allegations brought up by Altınok also recalled the previous statements of AKP Ankara Deputy Osman Gökçek. Gökçek, in a statement he made in front of the towers that were reflected in the Court of Accounts reports and cost 2 billion 200 million TL at current value, had said, "Mansur Yavaş and Mesut Özarslan must account for this bill imposed on the people of Ankara before the law." This statement had increased the criticisms directed at the projects of Özarslan and Yavaş in Keçiören.