Operations against CHP municipalities cause unease within AKP

The recent series of operations against CHP-run municipalities and the arrest of Çankaya Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner have caused discomfort within AK Party circles. Numerous members of parliament within the party agree that these operations are perceived by the public as "political maneuvers" and that this could negatively reflect on the ruling party in future elections.

Some MPs express their observations from the field regarding the issue, stating, "A large portion of citizens do not view these operations as corruption investigations; they see them as a political process." It is reported that the most common question encountered among voters is, "If there is truly a crime, let the judiciary do what is necessary, but why are opposition municipalities always the target?"

SENIOR OFFICIALS REQUEST INTERNAL PARTY ANALYSIS

Some prominent figures in the AK Party state that instead of wearing down the CHP as expected, these operations are strengthening the perception of victimhood. Comments suggest that as operations continue, the opposition's claim that "the judiciary has become politicized" is finding more resonance with the public, and the timing of the operations has become a subject of debate. Some party officials emphasize that the political impact of the operations has yielded lower results than anticipated.

Another criticism voiced in the corridors, as reported by Cumhuriyet, is that the operations against municipalities are overshadowing the economic agenda. Many MPs point out that the citizens' priority issues are the cost of living, inflation, and rents, arguing that such operations fail to change the main topic of discussion and instead create subjects of polemic.

One AK Party strategist, reminding that the economy is the main agenda for the public, assessed the situation by saying, "Citizens want to talk about the market, the kitchen, and the struggle to make ends meet. However, when municipal operations are launched, they generally say 'these are political' and return to their primary concerns. Therefore, the process does not bring a political advantage to our party."

Another party member, emphasizing that there is public skepticism regarding the operations, used the following expressions:

• The public does not believe that the municipalities are stealing. The prevailing perception is that this is a political process. People are questioning the timing of the operations.
• Ultimately, they attribute the political cost of this to the ruling party. To be frank, they are sending the bill to us.

While senior AK Party officials emphasize the necessity of conducting investigations within a legal framework and handling files with seriousness, it has been learned that comprehensive analyses have begun within the party regarding the potential political effects of the operations.

News Source: 12punto