Reuters has published an analysis regarding the local elections taking place in 3 days.
The analysis stated that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and AKP's Istanbul candidate Murat Kurum are running neck and neck.
The analysis noted that President Erdoğan's hopes have 'weakened' as support for the New Welfare Party has increased due to its stance against Israel in the war in Gaza.
"IF WE WERE IN POWER, ISRAEL COULD NOT HAVE ATTACKED GAZA"
"Pro-government media covers Erdoğan's rallies, but the opposition's rallies are restricted," the analysis stated, noting that Erdoğan's hopes have 'weakened' as support for the New Welfare Party has increased due to its stance against Israel in the war in Gaza.
Mehmet Altınöz, Deputy Chairman of the New Welfare Party and candidate for Mayor of Istanbul, spoke to Reuters on the matter.
Altınöz's assessment is as follows:
"If we, as the New Welfare Party, were in power, Israel could not have attacked Gaza," said Altınöz. "Currently, Turkey is unfortunately not being managed well economically. There are very serious zig-zags in foreign policy. These are not welcomed by our people.
For example, Gaza. It is impossible for citizens to accept the government's Gaza policy... For six months, people have been massacred and killed there; there is a genocide. Despite this, the Government of the Republic of Turkey, the administration of Turkey, which is the leader of the Islamic world, unfortunately does not take a stand against this. In fact, the barbed wire currently surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque to prevent Muslims from entering it is being sent from Turkey."
News Source: 12punto
