Cemil Tugay, who joined AKP, appeared on TRT: He responded to the 'threat' allegations

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay, who left the CHP and continued his independent path and then joined the AKP, explained the process of changing parties in his statement to TRT.

Responding to criticism from the opposition, Tugay claimed that the decision to join the AKP was not taken as a result of any pressure or threat.

It was also noteworthy that Tugay's statements were featured on TRT screens after he joined the ruling party. While the inability of opposition representatives to find enough space on the public broadcaster TRT has been a matter of debate for a long time, Tugay's appearance on the screen after the party change has brought the debates about broadcasting policies to the agenda again.

"NO ONE THREATENED ME"

Stating that there was no threat to him during the party change process, Tugay said:

"Look, during my transition to the AK Party, no one showed me a file or threatened me with an investigation or another operation."

Arguing that he made the decision to switch to AKP by considering the interests of Izmir, Tugay said:

"I changed the party because I was convinced that this was for the benefit of Izmir. People were saying that we are tired of the problem. Therefore, I actually received the message from the people that we can accept a transition, so let me say that."

"I RECEIVED SUPPORT MESSAGES FROM CHP PEOPLE"

Claiming that some politicians in the CHP supported him after he changed parties, Tugay said:

"Many people I know who have been involved in politics in the Republican People's Party for years wrote me messages saying, 'We think you are right. You did the right thing by doing this.' Of course, I get strength from them."

PRAISE FOR THE PRESIDENT AND MINISTERS

Evaluating the approach of AKP President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ministers towards solving Izmir's problems, Tugay said the following:

"They really love Izmir. That is, they want to do something to Izmir. Now, when the experience and power there combine with our knowledge here, I think it will be a wonderful thing. And we will be able to solve many problems."