İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay responded to the criticism directed at him and the concerns regarding potential interference with the city's lifestyle following his move to the AKP.
Speaking to the pro-AKP newspaper Yeni Asır, Tugay stated that he had not heard of any such approach regarding allegations that bans would be imposed on nightlife and social life in İzmir. Tugay said, "I have not heard a single sentence from our ministers, our President, or local AK Party politicians saying, 'Let's restrict İzmir's freedom on such and such issue, let's impose a ban, let's hinder it.'"
Stating that the people of İzmir should not be worried, Tugay used the expressions, "İzmir will continue to live as İzmir. People will continue their lives as they always have." Tugay argued that the difference would be an acceleration in municipal services and the arrival of investments in the city.
Describing the reactions against him as a "lynching campaign," Tugay claimed that he was being systematically targeted on social media and in the press. Tugay said, "I was practically declared a 'traitor'; things like 'they have occupied İzmir' are being said. One should truly be ashamed when saying such things."
Addressing his voters, Tugay stated that he was elected to serve as mayor, adding, "So, am I trying to do something else? No. I am pursuing the question of 'How can I be a better mayor, how can we solve İzmir's problems more effectively?'"
Tugay expressed that throughout this process, he has seen the political polarization in Turkey more closely. Responding to the criticism that "We cannot hand over İzmir to the AK Party," Tugay reminded that the AKP has been in the central government for 24 years, stating that the city is already governed by the government through the governor, district governors, police, national education, health, and other public institutions.
News Source: 12punto
