Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş participated in the Torchlight Procession held from Zafer Square to the Second Parliament as part of the October 29th Republic Day celebrations. Yavaş answered questions from journalists during the march.
While slogans of "We are the soldiers of Mustafa Kemal" were chanted throughout the march, Yavaş stated that Republic Day should be celebrated with enthusiasm. "We must show our gratitude to those who made this country a homeland for us every single time," Yavaş said, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the principles of the Republic.
Addressing the debates on the unitary state, Yavaş said, "I find the discussions held today regarding the unitary state to be baseless. It is the Republic that keeps us together, and we are firmly committed to it."
When reminded that his visit to the Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, had been a subject of debate, Yavaş replied, "Bad examples do not set a precedent."
Yavaş stated that the agenda should focus on other issues, adding, "Instead of talking about the hunger of the nation or other types of crises, I think such discussions are a waste of time. We are focused on our work. Ankara is very important to us. We have reached the halfway point; we have 2.5 years left. We will continue to work for Ankara until the last day. The people of Ankara would not forgive us if we neglected this."
Following the Torchlight Procession, a Turkish flag was presented to Yavaş by the 'seğmen' traditional guards at the Second Parliament.
News Source: 12punto
