Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş announced that he resigned from CHP.
In his post on his social media account, Yavaş said, "If there is to be a change of power in Turkey through democratic means, the way to achieve this is not through the opposition consuming each other, but through coming together on common principles."
"I have previously said that if there is any discomfort within the party about me or the attitude I follow, I will do what is necessary," Yavaş said, adding, "And due to some statements made today, I am resigning from my membership in the Republican People's Party and I present to the public that I am continuing my political path independently."
Emphasizing that "Loyalty to the will of the voters is the honor of politics", Yavaş said, "Carrying that will to another place with personal calculations is not only a political mistake; it is a grave sin against the voters. Therefore, the meaning of my decision to continue my way independently today is clear... From now on, as the Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, I will continue to serve all Ankara residents with the same understanding, regardless of their political views, whether they voted for me or not."
Following Yavaş's resignation, Beypazarı Mayor Özer Kasap and Kalecik Mayor Satulmuş Karakoç resigned from CHP.
Beypazarı Mayor Özer Kasap made the following statements in his statement on social media:
"My dear fellow countrymen,
At this point today, I am resigning from my membership in the Republican People's Party and I present to the public that I have decided to continue my political path independently.
I stand behind the promises I made to my fellow citizens who trusted and supported me on this path we embarked on with our President Mansur Yavaş. In the district where I was elected, without any discrimination from now on, as it has been until today; I will continue to serve with the same perseverance, determination and sense of responsibility.
My priority is to serve Beypazarı and my fellow citizens of Beypazarı, today as it was yesterday.
With whom I walked under the umbrella of the Republican People's Party and fought during the election process; I would like to thank all my companions who stood by me in our work, believed in me, and put forth their efforts and hearts. I will always remember the efforts and support of each of them with respect and gratitude.
My only goal in the next period is; To serve our Beypazarı and my fellow citizens of Beypazarı in the best way possible.
Best regards."
Kalecik Mayor Satmış Karakoç said in his statement on social media:
"Dear fellow citizens,
Politics is a long journey where commitment to people and values is tested. In this journey, it is necessary to make important decisions from time to time and stand behind the truths you believe in.
Since the first day we took office, we have considered it our duty to serve our fellow citizens in Kalecik without segregating or alienating anyone due to their political views. Because we saw the votes given to us not only as political support, but as a trust given to us on behalf of Kalecik.
In line with the process we have been through and the developments, I have decided to resign from my membership in the Republican People's Party and continue my duty as Mayor independently.
I would like to wholeheartedly thank all my companions, with whom we have walked under the same roof so far, who have contributed to this struggle and stood by us. The good days we spent together, the effort given and the bonds of love established will always have a special place for me.
The same understanding was at the basis of the path we took with our President Mansur Yavaş: Embracing people not for their political identities, but because they are human beings; To serve without discrimination, with justice and by protecting the trust of the people.
Today, I will continue to walk alongside our President Mansur on this path we have embarked on with him.
Authorities may change, political conditions may change. However, our responsibility to Kalecik will not change.
From now on, just like yesterday; I will continue to work as the Mayor of our fellow citizens from all walks of life, whether they voted or not.
Because for us, the real issue is not a political identity, but the love we feel for Kalecik and the trust of our fellow citizens to us.
Best regards.
Sold KARAKOÇ"
