In İzmir politics, new "municipal transfer" allegations have surfaced following the joining of Foça Mayor Saniye Bora Fıçı to the AKP. While it is claimed in political circles that some district mayors are also preparing to join the ranks of the AKP, one of the most notable topics has been the allegations made regarding Çiğli Mayor Onur Emrah Yıldız.
The fact that the AKP has been unable to win elections in the Metropolitan Municipality and central districts in İzmir for many years is cited as one of the factors increasing the political impact of these allegations. It is noted that the party, particularly in the 2024 local elections, also regressed in rural districts, winning only one municipality.
The switch of Saniye Bora Fıçı, who was elected from the CHP in Foça, to the AKP had created controversy among the opposition base and local political circles. While it is recalled that the AKP did not field its own candidate in Foça in the 2024 local elections and instead supported the MHP candidate as part of the People's Alliance, Fıçı's subsequent joining of the AKP after winning the election brought about debates regarding "voter will."
NAMES MENTIONED IN THE RUMORS
According to the report by Oda TV, similar transition scenarios for different districts are being discussed in İzmir circles following the Foça case. The allegations mention the names of Tire Mayor Hayati Okuroğlu, Kemalpaşa Mayor Mehmet Türkmen, Bergama Mayor Prof. Dr. Tanju Çelik, Kiraz Mayor Nasuh Coşkun, and Bayındır Mayor Davut Sakarsu.
It is assessed that if these allegations were to materialize, the balance of local government in İzmir could change. However, there is no official accession calendar or joint decision announced to the public regarding all of the mentioned mayors.
The allegations regarding Çiğli Mayor Onur Emrah Yıldız were brought back to the agenda due to his contacts in Ankara. In his previous statements, Yıldız had announced that his meetings in Ankara were contacts aimed at lifting the cuts in the Iller Bank allocation for August.
However, it is claimed in political circles that Yıldız continues his contact with some influential figures of the AKP in İzmir. According to the allegations, it is being discussed that Yıldız could wear the party badge at the Provincial Chairmen's Meeting that the AKP will organize in September.
Although the date of September 26 is being mentioned in the corridors for the meeting, the latest assessments reflected from Ankara indicate that the AKP Provincial Chairmen's Meeting could be held on September 28. The Çiğli allegation, if it were to happen, leads to comments that the AKP would achieve a new political gain through a district municipality located in the center of İzmir.
News Source: 12punto
