CHP's Çiğli candidate replaced after video sparks backlash

The CHP Party Assembly recently determined the party's candidates for the Metropolitan Municipality and 30 district mayoralties in İzmir. Uygar Yıldırım was nominated for the Çiğli district.

Following the announcement, Yıldırım shared a video on the social media platform TikTok. The video in question caused a backlash, leading to him being labeled a "TikTok phenomenon" on social media.

PROTEST HELD

From the first hours the candidates were announced, a group gathered in front of the CHP district building in Çiğli to protest the selection of Uygar Yıldırım as the mayoral candidate for Çiğli.

Allegedly included on the list upon the recommendation of CHP Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba, Yıldırım was described as an "imported" and "child" candidate.

The vigil continued in front of the building until late at night with chants of "Ankara, don't be surprised, don't test our patience." During the protest, chants of "Ağbaba, take your hands off Çiğli" also drew attention.

REMOVED FROM CANDIDACY

Following the reactions from the district organization, it was learned that the CHP Central Executive Board would not nominate Uygar Yıldırım in Çiğli. According to information circulating behind the scenes, the name of Onur Emrah Yıldız was submitted to the Party Assembly to replace Yıldırım.

EXPRESSED HIS REACTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Following the change, Uygar Yıldırım shared a post on his social media account regarding the process and wrote the following:

"My candidacy did not draw any backlash. Whatever schemes the rent-seeking political brokers have cooked up with those determining the candidates, they are trying to cancel my candidacy. I am waiting for the Party Assembly's decision.

Those who canceled my candidacy have committed a political crime.

News Source : 12punto