Izmir Mayor Tugay rejects AKP switch reports, says he will stay independent
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Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay denied reports that he would join Turkey's ruling AK Party, saying he will remain independent as a local official. Speaking to TV100 reporter Selda Güneysu on August 13, Tugay said he is waiting for some issues to settle before charting his own path. The remarks came amid recurring speculation about his political future.
Denial of Party Switch
Tugay rejected claims that he planned to join the ruling AK Party, telling TV100 reporter Selda Güneysu on August 13 that no such move was under consideration. He said he had repeatedly stated he would remain independent and that the daily speculation upset him. Two Turkish outlets, Cumhuriyet and Sozcu, reported the denial, with Cumhuriyet carrying the televised interview.
Mayoral Responsibilities
Tugay said he is a local administrator with duties to Izmir and that he would speak differently if he were a member of parliament. He added that he is waiting for some issues to settle before drawing his own path. He did not identify a party or give a timeframe for any future announcement.
What's Next
Tugay said he will outline his own course once certain matters settle, without setting a date. It remains unclear whether that course will include joining the AK Party or remaining an independent mayor.
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Izmir Mayor Tugay rejects AKP switch reports, says he will stay independent
