Gürsel Tekin, Istanbul Provincial Chair of the Butlan CHP, made sharp statements regarding the developments in Ataşehir during his speech at the 18th Badge Pinning Ceremony held at the CHP İstanbul Provincial Headquarters. Tekin emphasized the need for a "cleansing" within the party, stating, "We will follow everything that is happening in Ataşehir until the end."
Stating that Turkey is facing "colossal problems," Tekin said that despite this, the real agenda of the citizens has not become a priority topic for politics and the media. In his speech, Tekin also touched upon the operation targeting the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, expressing that while public officials and elected representatives must certainly be held accountable, this should be done within the rules of law and courtesy.
Reminding that the Mersin Metropolitan Mayor and two district mayors were detained, Tekin argued that the mayors would have gone to give their statements if they had been summoned. Criticizing the methods used in the operations, Tekin said, "You are trying disreputable methods."
Tekin also addressed the recent debates on party switching in municipal councils. Speaking through the examples of Üsküdar and Adalar, Tekin criticized elected individuals for switching to other parties before their terms of office ended. Rejecting the concept of "transfer" in politics, Tekin said that the authority received through the national will should be carried until the end of the term.
Claiming that a similar process is taking place in Ataşehir, Tekin alleged that pressure was put on Deputy Mayor Murat Güneş. Tekin stated that Güneş was "at his post" and had rejected the offers, after which he was detained.
Arguing that some individuals within the CHP are acting with other political focuses, Tekin expressed that those who "work with the apparatuses of the ruling powers" should have their ties to the party severed. Tekin alleged that attempts were being made to change the majority balances in municipal councils through pressure and blackmail.
Continuing his speech, Tekin made criticisms regarding rent, tender, and zoning relations in Turkey, and called on the economic management over the transfer of state lands and public institutions becoming tenants. Requesting that past sales of Treasury, national real estate, and lands that have lost their forest status be examined, Tekin argued that the rent arising from these areas should be taxed.
Tekin also said that they have established a commission consisting of lawyers and experts for the developments in capital markets, known in the public eye as the "fund crisis." Stating that they would assist citizens who have suffered grievances in this regard, Tekin expressed that the allegations voiced in the public eye regarding money leaving Turkey for abroad should also be investigated.
Emphasizing that they would follow the processes in Ataşehir and Eyüpsultan, Tekin said, "Our Ataşehir Deputy Mayor must be released immediately." Tekin said that they would also make efforts for the Eyüpsultan Mayor to regain his freedom.
News Source: 12punto
