Crack in the People's Alliance: MHP mayor takes a swipe at AKP over 'rent-seeking'

As the local elections approach, a development that could cause a crisis has emerged within the People's Alliance, formed by the AKP and MHP.

MHP's Karabük Mayor Rafet Vergili criticized the AKP with harsh words. Vergili's speech became a trending topic on social media.

Vergili used the following expressions during a television program he attended:

"AK Party politics begins with handing out favors wherever there is rent to be gained. That is the position of our friends right now. They do this so secretly that ordinary AK Party citizens do not see it. We have become the ones pointing these out in Karabük. After that, the people of Karabük began to see them."

Following these remarks by the MHP mayor, the timing of which is unknown, some figures known for their proximity to the AKP took action on social media. Among the prominent ones, AKP member Furkan Bölükbaşı shared the footage and "It is, in a word, a betrayal of the spirit of the People's Alliance. I am as sure as I am of my own name that the MHP is also uncomfortable with these words. They will surely carry out the necessary processes," he said. Journalist Taha Hüseyin Karagöz, who is close to the government, also commented, "We all know what Mr. Bahçeli's stance is in such situations." 

RUNNING AGAIN ON MARCH 31

In Karabük, the People's Alliance partners, the AKP and MHP, are entering the election by fielding their own candidates. While incumbent Mayor Rafet Vergili is running again as the MHP candidate, the AKP's candidate is Özkan Çetinkaya. Çetinkaya, who has served as the AKP Karabük Youth Branch President, a municipal council member, and most recently as the AKP Karabük Central District President, stated in his latest speech during election campaigning in the city: "God willing, let us be saved on March 31 from this neglect, this indifference, and this dusty wear and tear that has caused the city to collapse."

News Source : 12punto